A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine has found that a low-carbohydrate diet can significantly increase mortality rates in the long term. The study, which involved 371,159 participants, found that a balanced, low-fat diet is the most beneficial for overall health. In recent years, the popularity of low-carb diets has grown among athletes and those looking to lose weight by avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta and bread.
The study focused on the correlation between diet and the lifespan of participants aged between 50 and 71 years old. Over the 23-year study period, 165,698 deaths were recorded. Participants were categorized based on their carbohydrate intake, with a significant focus on the 20% who consumed the lowest amount of carbohydrates. This group was contrasted with the 20% who consumed the highest amount of carbohydrates in their diet. The study also differentiated between “healthy” and “unhealthy” low-carbohydrate diets based on the source of the carbohydrates, whether from whole grains or sugar and white flour.
The study found that individuals who followed a low-fat diet, regardless of whether it was categorized as healthy or unhealthy, had a higher life expectancy compared to those who preferred a high-fat diet. In other words, a low-carbohydrate diet appears to increase mortality rates, with the study showing an increase of up to 38%. Individuals who followed a ketogenic diet had a 28% higher mortality rate compared to their peers who followed a carbohydrate-rich diet, with heart disease and cancer being the main causes of death. The authors of the study recommend a balanced, low-fat diet as the most effective approach to sustainable weight loss and overall health improvement. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains, legumes, and olive oil are recommended, while saturated and trans fats should be avoided.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of a balanced, low-fat diet for overall health and longevity. While low-carbohydrate diets may be popular among athletes and those looking to lose weight, they can have negative long-term effects on health. The study recommends a diet rich in whole foods and low in saturated and trans fats for individuals over 50 years old to reduce the risk of premature death.
