The importance of carbohydrates in the human diet has been in question for some time now. Some people argue that if you eliminate carbohydrates from your diet and instead eat foods rich in protein and fat, you lose weight and increase your mental performances.

Others say that it increases the chances of acquiring heart complications and cancer. Like with most things, the truth about low carb diets lies somewhere in the middle. How your body will react to a low carb diet is unique to your physiology and your genetics. There are no universal pros and cons to such a diet.

To avoid making assumptions about carbohydrates, it is essential to understand their function in the body. Carbohydrates are one of the crucial nutrients that generate energy for the body. They are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Moreover, when in excess, they are stored up in the muscles and also help the human body operate without fatigue. Carbohydrates come in varieties which poses confusion to many. Individuals should understand that some carbs can lead to weight gain while others can result in weight loss.

Let’s dive deeper into the truth about low carb foods and low carb diets. Below are 7 facts you should know about.

1. The Effects of Low Carb Foods Vary Person to Person

According to research and various clinical reports, a low carb diet has proved effective in the treatment of specific conditions. The conditions include obesity, Alzheimer’s, high blood sugar, epilepsy, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological disorders.

On one occasion, an eighty-three-year-old woman was cured of Alzheimer’s after observing a low carb diet only after two weeks. As impressive as the low carb diet in given situations, it also has a set of disadvantages.

Studies have indicated that a long term consumption of low carb diet alters the compounds in the gut bacteria. This change then causes inflammatory diseases.

2. Our Ancient Ancestors Ate Carbs

As discussed earlier, ancient hunters and gatherers ate foods that had a low carbohydrate percentage. Many low carb diet advocates have described this as being the cultural norm for these people. This leads them to argue that this primitive diet is healthier. 

But a majority of the studies carried out have proven this claim to be false. Most ancient societies consumed thirty-five percent of their calories from carbs. The studies also noted that the figure could change depending on the location and availability of foods rich in carbohydrates.

More research has indicated that there is no historical evidence of people adhering to a low carb diet for lengthy periods. They’ve even determined that rich, starchy carbohydrates like potatoes and other members of the tuber family were vital in increasing our brain capacity. 

Without carbs, we may not have become the super-smart apex predators we are today. Without carbs, we might still be living in caves, defending our lives against saber-tooth tigers.

3. Low Carb Diets Are Not for Everyone

Just because one person has success with a low carb diet, you should not assume that another person will. Doctors who successfully treat neurological problems with the ketogenic diet think that everyone will benefit from it despite their health issues.

This is a completely misguided approach, and simple logic can disprove it. To claim that every person will benefit from a certain dietary approach ignores the differences in each. Some of these variations include genes, health status, location and activity levels among others.

4. There Are Different Types of Carbohydrates

You cannot possibly compare whole food carbohydrates to refined and processed carbs. It is amazing how health experts discuss all carbohydrates as if they are similar. Whole fruits, tubers, whole grains, and honey are a great source of carbohydrates which is mostly what our ancient ancestors consumed.

However, these people remained fit and free from most of the modern illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological problems.

If one were to argue that carbohydrates cause these conditions despite their origin, it would not explain why traditional people did not have these conditions. Modern carbohydrates which are highly refined and processed are associated with the rise of these health conditions.

It is therefore important to consume quality carbs at all times.

5. Beginning a Low Carb Diet Can Be Difficult But Worthwhile

If you are open to trying out the low carb diets, you should know that it will be tough on your body for the first few weeks. Most people suffer from what is commonly known as the keto flu.

Its symptoms include bad breath, tiredness, increased urination, and dry mouth. Additionally, many people reported having reduced concentration levels during the day while on the ketogenic diet.

That being said, once you get over this hump, there can be enormous benefits. On a ketogenic diet, your body enters a state known as ketosis. In this state your body switches from using glucose from carbs to fat as its energy source. 

Many keto dieters report that they have far greater clarity of mind and overall energy when their body is running primarily on fats. But to stay in ketosis, you have to eat almost no carbs on a daily basis. 

Luckily there are options like low carb ketchup you can use to stay in ketosis without sacrificing the foods you love to eat. 

Want to Learn More About Dieting?

Hopefully, you’ve ended this article knowing more about low carb foods than you did before. But when it comes to dieting, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want to learn more about what you should be eating to stay lean and healthy, be sure to check out the Diet and Nutrition section of our website!