In July 26, 2006, Science Daily published an article that says, “The most effective diet for weight loss and cardiovascular health is based on a high carbohydrate from low glycemic index or GI foods.” The statement came from the researchers of University of Sydney.
In a first 12-week long, paralleled, randomized, and controlled trial of a low glycemic meal plan, it seeks to compare relative effects on weight loss and cardiovascular risk of a low glycemic meal plan and high-protein meal plans.
The trial was spearheaded by Professor Jennie Brand-Millers and Joanne McMilla-Price from the University of Sydney Human Nutrition Unit. They discovered that there is no meal plan that fits all people. Nevertheless, diets that are low on GI carbohydrate significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
The trial composed of 129 overweight or obese young adults with the ages between 18 and 40. They were randomly given one of four reduced calorie or reduced fat meal plans for 12 weeks.
Participants on the high-protein diet/high GI diet also had significant weight loss just like the high carbohydrate-low glycemic diet.
When it comes to their cholesterol level, both types of eating plan had impacts as the high-protein/high GI diet increased the LDL level or bad cholesterol level of the participants while the low GI diet reduced the LDL cholesterol.
The trial suggested the eating of low GI foods, especially when meat is present in the meal. Meal plans that are low in glycemic index such as whole grain products are better for keeping healthy heart and reducing risks of heart ailments. Low GI plan is also beneficial to people who have a type 2 Diabetes.
In a 6-month comparison of low-carbohydrate diet that is based on foods with a low score of glycemic index, the study revealed that participants showed greater improvements in blood sugar control. This finding was initiated by the researchers at Duke University Medical Center and was published on Science Daily January 8, 2009 issue.
The head author of the study, Dr. Eric Westman, MD, also the director of Duke’s Lifestyle Medicine Program confessed that a low GI diet is better at improving blood sugar control; however, a no-glycemic eating style is the best at doing the task. Patients who had no-glycemic diet had more frequent decrease of their need for medication to control type 2 Diabetes.
Eighty-four patients who have diabetes type 2 and obesity issues were randomized to have either low-carbohydrate ketogenic meal program or a low-glycemic-reduced calorie style.
Also, the two groups had meetings and nutritional supplements and exercise regimen. After 24 weeks, their glycemic control was identified by a blood test which also measures the hemoglobin A1C and determines the blood sugar control of people with diabetes.
Apart from weight loss, participants who had a low glycemic diet recipes proved to have greater improvements in hemoglobin A1C. Diabetes medications were also lowered.
