London: Experts have created a new ‘science-based’ low carb diet they say is ‘easy to stick to’ (while one can still eat dessert).
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has released a book outlining a new low-carb, high-protein diet which they say helps people to lose weight and also remain healthy.
Scientists have found that two-thirds of adult Australians are overweight or obese and according to the book, the prevalence of Type-II diabetes is rising at an ‘alarming’ rate.
Associate professor Grant Brinkworth, who co-authored the diet plan, explained to Daily Mail Australia that the new diet is low in carbohydrates, but high in protein and unsaturated fats. This is a big turnaround from more traditional diets.
It is also understood that a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy unsaturated fats like olives and avocado could be even better for you. As part of the study has seen a new group of people stay on the traditional high carb, low fat diet and another group try out the low carb, high fat programme.
All participants were overweight or obese and were diagnosed with Type -II diabetes. While both groups lost significant and equal amount of weight, results show the low carb group had a number of extra improvements, including a reduction of 40 per cent in the medication they needed to take.
Study also showed people could easily adhere to the diet, as it was quite flexible in nature — allowing for carbs, snacks and sweet treats, Brinkworth added.
“We’re not saying no to carbs, just putting limit on them,” he explained. “We would recommend high fibre, low GI cereal and bread. The diet allows for 50 grams of carbs a day.” The desserts listed in the book are relatively healthy, as the scientists tried to avoid any incidence of unnecessary sugar.
