Diets that replace carbohydrates may shorten lifespan say experts

DIETS THAT replace carbohydrates with protein or fat should be avoided due to a possible association with shortened life spans, scientists have warned.

Eating carbohydrates in moderation seems to be optimal for health and living a long life, the research found. The study, in the

journal, said low-carb diets are popular in Europe and the US, where the research was carried out.

The findings also suggest that while replacing carbohydrates with animal-based proteins and fats from foods like beef, lamb, pork, chicken and cheese was associated with a greater risk of mortality, eating more plantbased proteins and fats from foods such as vegetables, legumes and nuts was linked to lower mortality.

The study of more than 15,400 people in the US found that diets both low and high in carbohydrates were linked with an increase in mortality, while moderate consumers had the lowest risk of mortality.

The primary findings were confirmed in analysis of studies on carbohydrate intake including over 432,000 people from more than 20 countries. Dr Sara Seidelmann, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, who led the research, said: “We need to look really carefully at what are the healthy compounds in diets that provide protection.

“Low-carb diets that replace carbohydrates with protein or fat are gaining widespread popularity as a health and weight loss strategy. However, our data suggests that animal-based low carbohydrate diets, which are prevalent in North America and Europe, might be associated with shorter overall life span and should be discouraged.”