Use Diet to Lose Weight, Lower LDL Cholesterol

Many different diets are purported to be the "best" for losing weight and lowering LDL cholesterol, but not all of these claims can be true. If weight loss and lower cholesterol are your major goals to achieve through an improved diet, there is some important information you should know. A recent study¹ sheds some light on which is the best diet to follow for those of you who want to take charge and manage your weight and cholesterol levels.

The need for such a study arose out of the popularity of diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates, such as the Atkins diet. This is a diet where the primary source of protein comes from animal products, high in saturated fat. A high intake of animal products can lead to increased risk for heart disease and digestive tract cancer, as well as kidney problems and overall morbidity.²

There are more logical, healthy alternatives to a diet with such negative side effects. Many people are concerned about their health and about living longer lives for their families.

Researchers in the study looked in-depth at the results of an alternative to the Atkins diet: a diet high in vegetarian protein, and low in cholesterol. For the purposes of the study, a "control" diet was also included: a high protein vegetarian diet, high in carbohydrates. The competing diet consisted of low fat dairy products, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables and cholesterol-free eggs.

The results of the study are exceedingly informative. For both groups (vegetarian low-carbohydrate and vegetarian high-carbohydrate), the caloric intake was lowered by 40 percent, and both groups lost ten pounds in four weeks. This demonstrates the fact that the most important factor in weight loss is caloric intake, not protein or carbohydrates. For the participants in both diets, LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure were lowered, but the diet with lower carbohydrates had a more significant drop in each.

The most responsible diet for losing weight and lowering LDL cholesterol levels is a diet high in plant-based proteins, and low in carbohydrates. Proper education about a healthy diet can lead to a longer life full of health and vitality, free from disease. It is important to learn the facts about disease prevention and balanced diet.

Taking control of your future by improving your health goes hand-in-hand with a secure financial future for your family. Making choices to lower weight and cholesterol helps to protect your family. Just as finding a dependable life insurance policy will protect your family. Matrix Direct has a long history of helping five million Americans find affordable term life insurance.

You make educated choices every day to care for yourself and your family by providing a healthy diet to help prevent things like heart disease. Life insurance is another way to protect your family. Contact a trusted advisor from Matrix Direct for life insurance quotes and a life insurance policy tailored to meet your needs.

1. Jenkins D, et al. "The Effect of a Plant-Based, Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Body Weight and Blood Lipids." Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009;169(11):1046-1054.