Are low carbohydrate diets the answer to healthy weight loss?

It has long been known that increased fat storage raises blood cholesterol. And a high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease can lead to heart attack or stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol such as whole milk dairy products, fatty meats, oils, hydrogenated vegetable oils and egg yolks. Instead, the AHA recommends substituting foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, fat-free and low-fat milk products, skinless poultry and lean meats.

Is weight loss as simple as dropping carbohydrates?

Scientists have long probed the assertion that avoiding carbohydrates or dropping them altogether can reduce the storage of fat, which leads to lethargy, junk food addiction and health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. But is dropping carbohydrates from your diet the answer to dropping fat from your waistline? Is it true that saturated fat and cholesterol are not really the cause of heart disease? The American Heart Association, American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association disagree.

Low-carbohydrate gurus argue that carbohydrates make us secrete insulin. And since insulin is driving fat accumulation, if people were to eat fewer carbohydrates, fat accumulation would decline.

So which diet is better? Low fat or low carbohydrate?

Scientists state that if weight loss were a race, low carbohydrate diets would win hands down. Weight loss on low carbohydrate diets is most likely faster because a low-carbohydrate diet helps to suppress appetite, which in-turn makes it easier to achieve the ultimate goal of reducing calorie consumption. But a chief complaint of low carbohydrate diets is that they can increase levels of bad cholesterol. However, according to a study performed by the Harvard Health Letter, both low carbohydrate and low fat diet plans had the same effect on LDL cholesterol levels. And low carbohydrate diets won with respect to other blood fats related to heart disease.

Improvement to the low carbohydrate diet

According to the Harvard Health letter, a low carbohydrate diet plan can be improved by sticking with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and choosing whole grains as your carbohydrates. If you are planning on losing weight, talk to your doctor first about getting a cholesterol test. Before following any diet plan, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a doctor or health care professional.

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Dieting Less Popular - Americans Opt for a Healthy Lifestyle

Dieting has become less popular in America in recent years, being replaced with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and plenty of rest. Americans are smarter than ever when it comes to their health. The goal of an improved lifestyle has resulted in many trends including a decline in cigarette smoking and starvation diets and replaced with healthy diets and increased exercise regimens.

There are many reasons why diets are falling in popularity. One problem is that they are difficult to sustain. Dieters feel deprived and unsatisfied. The fast-paced lifestyle that Americans pursue is another contributing factor to the failure of unhealthy diets. Indeed, American lifestyles require more and more energy, which means that diets must be wholesome in order to produce the needed energy and stamina. The stress of modern life requires mental well-being and prudent Americans are reaping the benefits of incorporating healthy foods into their lifestyle as a means of coping with the numerous daily pressures.

Restaurants are offering more healthy options for consumers

Researchers have found that restaurants are offering more healthy choices as part of their menu choices. As a result, it is easier than ever to eat a healthy meal while on-the-go. Travelers often choose restaurants that offer a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Large chain restaurants have become more accommodating to dieters as of late as they have introduced healthy foods to their menus. McDonalds, for example, now offers a nice selection of salads with lean chicken and low-fat dressing. Consumers have shown their approval and sales of these healthy choices are skyrocketing. Large restaurant chains have taken note - and are offering more and more choices for the health-conscious consumer.

Eating healthy tips for those on-the-go

A healthy diet plan includes a balanced menu, reasonable portion sizes with low-calorie, low-sugar drinks such as tea, water or low-fat milk. When eating out at restaurants, the portion sizes are usually large. Researchers recommend people share an entree with a friend or take half of the meal home in a to-go box. Researchers advise dieters choose meats that contain lean proteins such as fresh fish, chicken or beans. A balanced diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat, lean protein.

More accepting of weight and more conscious of health

Even Hollywood has joined in the drive towards a healthy lifestyle with less emphasis on weight. Recent photos and criticism of Jennifer Love Hewitt's weight gain resulted in a backlash of nasty comments against those doing the criticizing. Ms. Hewitt responded by writing on her blog: "Like all women out there should, I love my body." The public was sympathetic toward her and turned on the paparazzi photographers.

In Spain, some models were actually banned from the runway for being too thin! The world's first ban on overly thin models was well received by the public, but met with outrage from modeling agencies. Parents around the globe applauded the move thinking this could possibly lead to a decrease in anorexia among young girls that mimic the fashion industry.

The desire to lose weight has not changed

Although many adults still desire to drop a few pounds, the difference is the way it is achieved. More people are conscious of their health and use effective, yet responsible means of achieving their weight goal.

Researchers Probe Connection between Liver Function and Obesity

When it comes to ducks, a fatty liver is desirable -- in fact, this plumped-up organ serves as the basis for the rich delicacy known in foodie circles as foie gras. However, when it comes to humans, this increasingly common disease can lead to a whole host of health problems.

Fatty liver is a disorder that occurs after years of insulin resistance limit the liver's ability to process fats effectively. In some cases, it is the result of alcoholism, while in other instances, it is related to obesity and an imbalanced diet.

One consequence of the obesity epidemic that has swept through the United States and other industrialized nations in recent years is a related outbreak of fatty liver disease. Once rare, this obesity-related disorder is now diagnosed with increasing frequency, sometimes even occurring in children and young adults.

The sharp increase in cases of obesity-related fatty liver disease has focused researchers' attention on the relationship between obesity and liver function. This week, we'll take a look at the results of three recent studies that assessed the connection between body weight and liver health, with a particular focus on the devastating effects of fatty liver disease.

Anti-Obesity Drug May Help Reverse Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

As researchers probe the connection between fatty liver disease and obesity, some teams have begun to explore the possibility of treatment regimens that could be effective against both of these conditions simultaneously. According to the results of a study published in a recent volume of the journal Hepatology, the anti-obesity drug rimonabant just might fit the bill.

In the study, the drug rimonabant was administered to several groups of obese rats. According to the scientists, the drug reduced obesity as expected, but it also markedly decreased several major signs of obesity-related liver disorder. Specifically, the rats that took rimonabant showed improved lipid profiles, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, and an overall decline in liver damage.

At the current juncture, numerous problems exist with anti-obesity treatment regimens based on rimonabant. Many human research participants have reported troubling side effects from the drug, such as nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. However, the authors expressed confidence that with some fine-tuning, rimonabant may emerge as an effective anti-obesity treatment that protects against and even reverses liver damage, as well.

Scientists Seek Deeper Understanding of Obesity-Related Liver Disorders

Using one of the world's largest collection of human liver tissue samples and a massive electronic health database, researchers at the Weis Center for Research, the Center for Health Research, the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management are working together to solve the problem of obesity-related fatty liver disease.

The incidence of the debilitating disease has increased considerably over the last several decades, an outgrowth of the staggering rates of obesity and overweight facing the United States and other developed nations. Despite the significant health damage that fatty liver disease can cause, the disorder often has few symptoms in the early stages of development, when treatment is most effective.

In order to stem the tide of undiagnosed cases of obesity-related liver disorders, the team has developed a number of simple diagnostic tests that can be used to quickly and easily screen patients' liver health and function. One test that has been developed is a simple blood test. When refined, it is hoped that the relatively simple test will represent a significant step forward from the current diagnostic procedure, which involves a costly and time-consuming liver biopsy.

Low-Glycemic Diet May Protect Against Fatty Liver, Obesity

In the aftermath of the low-carb craze, a more sensible version of the concept is beginning to be endorsed by more scientists, researchers, and medical professionals. The low-glycemic index diet emphasizes the selection of foods based on their glycemic impact -- in other words, how much and how quickly they raise the blood sugar.

In the span of just a few short years, a large number of studies have uncovered benefits associated with the low-glycemic index way of eating. The results of a recent investigation undertaken by scientists at the Optimal Weight for Life program at Children's Hospital in Boston seems to suggest that the diet may also reduce and/or reverse the signs of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The study compared the liver health of mice fed low-GI and high-GI diets. At the end of a six-month experiment, the two groups weighed the same amount, but the mice that had been fed high-glycemic diets had much higher levels of fat in their bloodstreams, bodies, and livers. Although the results have yet to be confirmed in a human population, these findings could represent a breakthrough in the fight against obesity-related fatty liver disease.

If you're concerned about the health impacts of obesity-related fatty liver disease, talk to your doctor about a personalized risk assessment. Don't forget to check back each week for the breaking research news you need to succeed on your weight loss journey.

A Healthy Diet and Its Effect on Children with Learning Disabilities

A top nutritional therapist says that diet has a direct effect on children with learning disabilities. Children with autism, for example, are particularly affected by their diet. There are a lot of children who are addicted to sodas or packaged meals, which can draw them even further into their condition.

There is Hope - Start With a Change Towards Your Goal of a Healthy Diet for Your Kids

Even one or two small changes in dietary approach such as substituting whole wheat bread for white bread; can benefit a child?s learning ability.

The act of omitting cheese from one's diet can have benefits. In the 60?s, it was thought that autism was a problem of the mother rejecting the child. But now researchers realize that there is a digestive connection with dairy products and this could have been one of the causes for these mixed signals.

What is Commonly Missing from Some Childrens' Diets?

Essential fats and zinc have been among the most common nutritional deficiencies seen in children with learning disabilities and autism. But essential fats can easily be obtained from nuts and seafood.

Metal Toxins Affect Brain Function

It has been found that many children with autism suffer with high levels of metal toxins such as mercury that affect brain function. Nutritional experts recommend that parents refuse mercury fillings for their kids? teeth and ask dentists to remove any existing ones.

Introducing New Foods to Children Can Be a Difficult Task

Researchers recommend patience and persistence. Kids need time to adjust to the taste and the smell before they become accustomed to a new food. However, the benefits of eating healthy food far out-weight the inconveniences.

Ask Your Doctor Before Changing your Child's Diet

As with any major medical life change, it is recommended that you consult your physician beforehand. Come back to the Easy Diet Center again soon for more interesting diet articles to help you live a healthy lifestyle.

Body Cleansing Can Rid Your Body of Toxins Which Make It Difficult to Lose Weight

More and more people are turning to body cleansing products to speed up their weight loss. Body cleansing products can be a good addition to a healthy eating plan. Cleansing can have many benefits. Toxins can lead to some diseases as well as various symptoms. Exercise and diet are part of the body cleansing plan. Eating healthy is the key.

If you follow a body cleansing plan you usually drink a high-nutrition supplement for a couple of days, then blend healthy meals with all-natural bars and shakes. A popular body cleansing product called Isagenix is rising in popularity. It is a supplement that can increase the speed of weight loss. Isagenix is not a diet pill but rather a supplement with minerals, vitamins and protein. When used correctly as part of a complete plan, Isagenix can help people to lose weight quickly.

Detoxification is a Plan

Just taking body cleansing products will do little to help you lose weight. Exercise and diet are part of the plan. Weight loss can be very fast with few side-effects, if you follow the program correctly.

Body Cleansing is Not a Diuretic

Safe cleansing products are not harsh stimulants and do not contain strong chemicals. Cleansing products should not be confused with diuretics. They are a completely different product. Cleansing products do not have any strong drugs and have few side-effects.

Consult Your Doctor

As always, you should consult your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise plan.