Cholesterol Control: Effects of the Atkins Diet and Cholesterol Levels

The Atkins diet is probably one of the most controversial diets as it is one that is most argued about. One of the aspects of this low carb diet is the possible affects it may or may not have on cholesterol levels. The Atkins diet and subsequent cholesterol levels have often been debated as although many studies show that this diet lowers cholesterol, others are still adamant that it can significantly raise cholesterol levels. There is no easy answer to appease either side as the fact is the Atkins diet and subsequent cholesterol levels can have different results depending on the person, their exact meal plan and how long they persist in the diet.

The Atkins diet works on the basis that by consuming low carb foods, the body must use fat stores for energy. A lot of people eat high cholesterol foods and this is why the Atkins diet is thought to higher cholesterol levels but advocates claim that as it decreases the amount of fat in the body, cholesterol levels can even be lowered. This tends to work on cholesterol levels if it is based on short term usage and the Atkins diet itself does not only consist of high cholesterol foods. People who use the Atkins diet to lose weight often consume a very high level of fatty and high cholesterol foods. It is important to realize that this should not be a long term lifestyle.

Atkins and Low Cholesterol Diets

Atkins is not generally perceived as a low cholesterol and carbohydrate diet but recent studies have proven this to be the case, at least in the short term. Low carb diets can now be considered as low cholesterol diets and this includes Atkins. The Atkins diet and high cholesterol have always been thought to be linked together and many felt they were sacrificing their cholesterol levels for their weighing scales. Not all of the foods on the Atkins diet are high in calories and bad cholesterol so it is necessary to ensure that foods like red meat are eaten in moderation as there are other alternatives on the Atkins diet. The mistake that many people make is to eat any food allowed and lots of it but any kind of excess can have some detrimental affects to anyone’s health. A safer alternative to the Atkins diet would be to devise a personalized low carb diet which allows only small portions of high fat and cholesterol foods. Discussing this diet with a nutritionist is a great start as is consulting a physician.