Image © Galina Tolochko | Getty Images
A team of researchers (including our editor-in-chief Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc) studied the impact of low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diet patterns on inflammation and oxidative stress. The study compared low-carb diet patterns that favored high-quality carbohydrates (like whole grains) to those that favored refined carbohydrate foods (those made with white flour and added sugars).
The researchers divided participants into two groups: one consumed more low-quality carbohydrates and one consumed more high-quality carbohydrates. They also looked at nine markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the blood of study participants over time.
Low-carb diets that replaced low-quality carbohydrate sources (such as refined grains and added sugars) with fat and protein but kept high-quality carbohydrates (like whole grains and whole grain foods, vegetables, fruits, and legumes), were associated with lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress than diets that kept low-quality carbohydrates.
If you choose to try a low-carb diet, be aware that the carbohydrates you choose to include matter. Stick to the healthiest, highest quality choices such as vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Front-of-package words and images do not tell the whole story about the healthfulness of snack foods.