Slim & healthy with “Eco-Atkins”
A recent randomised clinical study has revealed that the new ‘Eco-Atkins’ diet, a weight loss plan low in carbohydrates and high in vegetable protein and vegetable fats, has the additional impact of lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
18 men and 26 women who were overweight (BMI > 27) and had a slightly raised LDL cholesterol level (> 131 mg/dl - >3.4mmol/l) completed the study. For four weeks, half of the participants followed the Eco-Atkins diet, low in carbohydrates and high in vegetable protein and vegetable fat from soya, nuts, fruit, vegetables, cereals and vegetable oil. The other half followed a control diet, a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat which included animal protein from eggs and dairy. The calorie intake for both groups amounted to 60% of their calorie requirements. None of the participants followed a weight-loss plan prior to the study.
At the end of the study a similar weight loss, on average 4kg, was found for both groups as well as significant improvements in blood lipid profile and blood pressure. However, in comparison with the control group there was an even greater reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure in the Eco-Atkins group.
From these findings the researchers concluded that a vegetable diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in vegetable protein and vegetable fat are not only successful for weight loss, but can result in a better than expected improvement in serum lipid profile, especially lower LDL cholesterol which is not seen with the animal protein Atkins diet. Additionally, a normal carbohydrate lacto-ovo vegetarian diet providing high intakes of viscious fibres and lower GI can also be beneficial with weight loss and improved lipid profile.
Source: Jenkins, D. J., et al. "The effect of a plant-based low-carbohydrate ("Eco-Atkins") diet on body weight and blood lipid concentrations in hyperlipidemic subjects." Arch Intern Med. 169.11 (2009): 1046-54.
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