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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Meat-heavy low-carb diets can shorten life: Study

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Paris: Middle-aged people who get roughly half their daily calories from carbohydrates live several years longer on average than those with meat-heavy low-carb diets, researchers reported on Friday.


The findings, published in The Lancet medical journal, challenge a trend in Europe and North America towards so-called Paleo diets that shun carbohydrates in favour of animal protein and fat.


Proponents of these “Stone Age” diets argue that the rapid shift 10,000 years ago — with the advent of agriculture — to grains, dairy and legumes has not allowed the human body enough time to adapt to these high-carb foods.


For the study, receiving less than 40 per cent of total energy intake from carbohydrates qualified as a low-carb regimen, though many such diets reduce the share to 20 per cent or less.


At the other extreme, a 70 per cent or higher share of carbohydrates — such as pasta, rice, cakes, sugary drinks — can also reduce longevity, but by far less, the scientists found.


The optimal balance of food groups for longevity remains hotly debated.


Many studies have concluded that eating carbohydrates in moderation — 45 to 55 per cent of total calorie intake — is best, but others report improved short-term, cardio-metabolic health with high-protein, high-fat diets.


Measures of metabolic health include blood pressure, good and bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels. — AFP


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