Low Carb High Fat Diet vs Low Fat Diet – Which is Better?

Low Carb High Fat Diet vs Low Fat Diet – Which is Better?

With so many diets and fads around, it’s no wonder that people that get a little confused figuring out which diet plan is best for them. Our team at Bondi Beach Tea Co. wanted to make it a little easier for you, so we’ve put together some helpful information based on two of the more popular eating plans around at the moment; the low-carb, high fat diet versus a low-fat diet plan.

Most of us know that good fats are a necessary part of our diet, but now there is some actual proof in the pudding. Numerous studies have found that low-carb diets, which are generally high in dietary fats (like the ketogenic eating plan), can boost satiety and weight-loss factors far more than their low-fat diet counterparts. It has also recently been uncovered that a high-fat diet can offer better protection against mortality when compared to eating plans that are lower in fat. ^[1]

Researchers of this recent study split participants into groups based on their percentage of calorie intake (or amount of energy intake) supplied by the three macronutrients of carbs, fats and proteins in their diets. Assessments were made on the links between the consumption of carbs, the overall amount of fat and each type of fat to the various levels of cardiovascular disease and risk of mortality.

The major findings of this study that compared low-carb and high-fat diets with low-fat diets included:

• A higher risk of mortality was linked with the higher carb diets, compared to lower rates for the eating plans with a higher amount of good fats and lower carbs.
• The total fat and individual fat types had no association with cardiovascular disease.
• The more amount of saturated fats had an inverse association with the risk of stroke, which in this study meant the greater amount of fat, the better the protection.
• Although the higher carb eating plan was linked with mortality, it had no association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease-related mortality.

So, why exactly did researchers seem to link an increase of protection against cardiovascular illnesses and mortality with the higher fat diet?

With the modern conveniences of life, we tend to replace the lower levels of fat in our low-fat diets, with higher levels of sugar and refined grains. Meaning, when there is less fat consumed, it is commonly replaced by carbs found in processed meals and snacks, instead of including more wholesome sources of carbs 

Following are some of the ways in which a high-fat diet could actually prove beneficial for you:

1. Aids in weight loss

For a lot of people, good fats can actually help you to feel full for longer and reduce your craving to snack on unhealthy foods between meals.

2. Good for brain health

There have been studies that revealed links between a high fat diet with better brain functioning and health, including protection against dementia and depression. In particular, a ketogenic diet is said to offer benefits for improved attention, alertness, less brain fog, and an overall boost to cognitive functioning. Check out this interesting read we found on Ketosis Australia about the topic.

3. Good for female hormones and reproduction

Cholesterol and various other fats support the production of cellular membranes and hormones. Some studies have discovered low-fat diets can actually increase the risk of menstrual problems in women, as well as hinder the ability to fall pregnant. ^[2]

4. Assists with vitamin absorption

Dietary fats supply the body with lipid molecules, which are important to sustain life and support a range of bodily functions. These lips help to provide the storage of energy, build cellular structures, hormones and steroids, activate enzymes, boost brain functioning, and absorb other dietary lipids and vitamins such as vitamins A, E, K, and D.

If you want to increase your levels of good fats in your diet, start by including some beneficial sources of fats that can be found in coconut oil, grass-fed beef or poultry, seeds, nuts, eggs and freshly caught wild fish like salmon. Be sure to limit the amount of processed foods you consume, as well as foods that contain refined carbs and added sugars.

Looking for some general health boosters for your diet? Check out our range of Bondi Beach Tea Co. teas online. Our herbal teas offer plenty of health-promoting properties that offer a kick start for your mind, as well as your body.

Sources:

1. The Lancet: Associations of fats and carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 18 countries from five continents (PURE): a prospective cohort study
2. NCBI: A prospective study of dairy foods intake and anovulatory infertility.