A variation of the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet lowers the risk of developing heart disease, according to Canadian researchers. Dr. David Jenkins of St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto in Ontario led the team conducting research into the effectiveness of the Eco-Atkins diet.
The study involved 44 participants who were all overweight and had high levels of LDL cholesterol. They were divided into two groups. The first one ate the Eco-Atkins diet and the second one followed a diet high in carbs and low in fat. After four weeks, participants had each lost approximately the same amount of weight but the group who ate the Eco-Atkins diet had higher levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol).
The researchers caution that studies tracking the long-term effects of the Eco-Atkins diet will be needed before recommending it as a safe choice.
