Low Carbs Diet Plans

The theory is that carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, which then kicks in insulin. Insulin drives blood sugar into the cells and prevents fat breakdown in the body, so you will not burn excess fat and lose weight. Proponents of low-carb diets take this one step further. They say that if carbohydrates raise blood sugar and insulin levels and cause weight gain, a decrease in carbs will result in lower blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to weight loss. And because you are not eating the carbs, your body breaks down fat to provide needed energy. Some people do lose weight on low-carb diets, but the weight loss probably is not related to blood sugar and insulin levels to any extent. A quote from Donald Hensrud, M.D., a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at Mayo Clinic.

What Are Carbohydrates?

Carbs are the main energy source for the human body. As the name carbohydrate suggests, carbs are a mixture of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates are manufactured inside plants from carbon dioxide in the air and water, under the influence of sunlight. (A process called photosynthesis).

Carbohydrate Intake The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2005) indicate there is no set RDA for carbs, although they are an important part of a healthy diet - both for energy content and nutritional value. Most dietitians and nutritionists advise a daily carb intake of between 45-65 percent of total calories. Dietary fiber - the non digestible type of carbohydrate has been shown to have a number of beneficial health effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease and improvement in laxation.

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