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Low-Carb Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure

Both low-fat plan and Atkins-style regimen lead to weight loss

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2010 1:49 PM CST
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(Newser) – Besides leading to weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet helps lower blood pressure, according to a new study. Research subjects randomly assigned to a low-carb regimen lost about as much weight as patients following a low-fat plan and taking a weight-loss drug—the generic version of the medication marketed as Alli—but showed a significant improvement in blood pressure readings.

"Weight loss was similar but substantial in both groups we studied, but blood pressure improved more in the low-carb dieters," says the lead researcher. "It's important to know you can try a diet instead of medication and get the same weight loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects."

Following a low-carb diet may improve blood pressure, new research shows.
Following a low-carb diet may improve blood pressure, new research shows.   (Flickr)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
SC23
Jan 27, 2010 4:43 AM CST
I did it with low carb and had a medical workup before and after.. I ate things that made people cringe like a bowl of pork rinds with peperoni for snacks and my cholesterol dropped ~35 points, my BP went down, and in about 6 months I lost almost 70 pounds. Ive added carbs back now and have kept most of it off and feel great. So much for the Atkins bashing. My "after" bloodwork was "Ideal" whereas before I was a walking heart attack with diabetes coming.
jaguarj
Jan 27, 2010 4:14 AM CST
You can have chocolate and pizza...The article was about low-carbs not no-carbs. Just keep carb count to approx 15 to 30 per meal and you will lose and keep your blood sugar at a safe number.
Kookey90
Jan 27, 2010 3:22 AM CST
Mmmmm, that steak in the the picture sure looks good. I like mine medium-well and can some please pass me the A-1 Steak Sauce please.

 
nutrition • hypertension • obesity epidemic • weight loss • diet • blood pressure • overweight • Atkins diet • carbs • Alli • high blood pressure • low-carb diet • low-fat diet • orlistat

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