Low-Carb Diet Decreases CVD Risk

PHILADELPHIA—Individuals who follow a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet coupled with lifestyle changes have about the same weight-loss success; however, those who adhere to a low-carb diet may decrease cardiovascular disease risk the diet increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine . The low-carb group was instructed to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrate per day for three months and then increase by 5 grams per day each week until they achieved their desired weight. The low-carb group had greater increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels at all time points, approximating a 23% increase at two years, compared to the low-fat diet group.