men on the high protein and low carbohydrate diet lost an average of 6.3 kilos

A diet research project done at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen shows that the most effective diet for curbing hunger pangs and also for promoting weight loss is a high protein and low carbohydrate diet. The research that was recently printed in the the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition will make interesting reading for anyone who wishes to lose weight without suffering too much.

The researchers went about the study by grouping healthy but obese men into two different diet groups.  Both of the diet groups had a considerable amount of protein (30 percent of the total calories of the diet) but one of the diets was extremely low in carbohydrates (only 4% of total calories) and the other diet had a larger amount of carbs (35 percent of total calories).

It was noted that both groups of men said that they found the diets to be equally enjoyable but those who concentrated on the high protein and low carbohydrate diet said that they did not feel hungry as often as those on the diet which had more carbohydrates. It was also noted that those men on the high protein and low carbohydrate diet lost an average of 6.3 kilos compared to an average of only 4.3 kilos with the other diet.

Dr Alex Johnstone who was the lead researcher for the study said that when individuals eat a low carbohydrate diet their body has to change from using glucose for energy and instead uses ketone bodies. These Ketone bodies work as appetite suppressors and it is also known that protein is instrumental in giving people the feeling that they are full up more so than the same quantity of carbs.

The researchers said that they saw that the men on the high protein and low carbohydrate diet became “ketogenic” within a couple of days of cutting out carbohydrates from their diet. Dr Johnstone went on to say that the volunteers who went on the ketogenic diet were able to reduce their calorie intake but at the same time not increase the hunger that they felt. This he said was instrumental in enabling them to stick to their diet plan and not to be tempted to eat too much.

It should also been born in mind however that carbohydrates must pay a small part in any healthy diet and many nutritionists say that cutting them out completely could be detrimental to your health. At Ukmedix News we would advise that you restrict your carb intake but not completely do away with it. A balanced diet is essential for good health.