According to new research, low-carb diet long term has the same effect as a low-fat weight loss, and might be better for the heart, the AP reported.
In the study, which lasted two years, people who were on low-carbohydrate diet increased their “good” cholesterol (HDL), two times more than those who followed a diet low in fat.
In terms of weight loss, both groups lost about the same during the period of two years of the study, about 15 pounds.
The increase in HDL was 23% in the low-carb diet, versus 12% in the low-fat diet, but it is unknown why low-carbohydrate diet had a greater effect.
The results of this study which involved 307 obese adults, (two thirds female) were published in Annals of Internal Medicine.