Low-Carb, High-Protein Diet Causes Hardening-of-the-Arteries, IN MICE
A low-carb, high-protein diet is associated with worse atherosclerosis, at least in lab mice genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis. It’s entirely unclear whether these findings apply to humans.
Researchers used a strain of lab mice that can develop atherosclerosis within months rather than the 20-30 years necessary for development in humans. If the mouse model of atherosclerosis were identical to the human model, research with applicability to humans would be so much easier. Investigators compared mice fed either a “Western” type diet or a low-carb, high-protein diet. Both diets had about 43% of calories derived from fat.
One persistent criticism of Atkins-style diets is that they may contribute to human atherosclerosis via the saturated fats in animal sources of protein. We don’t have a definite answer to that issue. Even if the Diet-Heart Hypothesis is wrong, an Atkins-style diet could still cause or prevent atherosclerosis - or other illnesses for that matter - through mechanisms as yet unknown.
After seriously questioning the Diet-Heart Hypothesis, I’m seeing very low-carb eating in a much more favorable light, at least for overweight people.
HeartWire has a balanced article on the recent research, with quotes from Drs. Eric Westman and Jeff Volick, low-carb advocates.
Reference: Busko, Marlene. Atherosclerosis heightened in mice fed low-carb, high-protein diet. HeartWire, August 26, 2009.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:01 pm
It would seem, from my reading, that a slightly higher (percentage wise) protein intake and lower carb intake would probably be beneficial.
something around the 45-50 for carbs, 20 protein, 30-35 fat. At least for weight loss anyway - as you are consuming less calories, and we all know the satiety priorities (protein, then fat, then carbs) - as well as the need for adequate (what is that?) protein to help prevent muscle loss.
Steve - I think you mention it in “The Plan” chapter - what percentage does the AMD work out to be roughly?
Also Steve - I am surprised that you would consider VERY low carb as a healthy option? I mean, the whole point of “copying the crazy Cretans” is because we know they have (had) a healthy diet/lifestyle. And we know that they certainly weren’t low carb!!! Those whole grain bread lovers!
What is your opinion on that?
cheers
steve
Australia
September 7th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Good to hear from you, Steve.
The Advanced Mediterranean (weight-loss) Diet macronutrient composition is protein 15-20%, fat 25-35%, and carbohydrate 50-60%.
I’m not convinced that very low-carb diets (20-50 grams of carb daily, compared to standard 200-300 grams) are the best long-term weight-neutral diet for the general public. For that, I vote Mediterranean. But we don’t have irrefutable proof.
As for weight-loss diets . . .
I am convinced that very low-carb diets are not as scary and dangerous as the medical profession thought 10 years ago. And most people follow one for just a few months, so long-term consequences are minimal, if not nil. Eating very low-carb for a couple months to lose weight, then adding back some healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may not be a bad way to go.
-Steve
December 8th, 2009 at 9:22 am
[…] on the HeartWire reference below for a discussion of the original mouse research. I wrote a short post about it in August, […]