A new research on laboratory mice shows that eating a diet high in carbohydrates and low in proteins could benefit the body rather than counting calories. In fact, research shows that it could lengthen one's life.
"We have shown that when compared head-to-head, mice got the same benefits from a low protein, high carbohydrate diet as a 40 percent calorie restriction diet," said senior author Stephen Simpson, academic director of the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre.
"Except for the fanatical few, no one can maintain a 40 percent calorie reduction in the long term, and doing so can risk loss of bone mass, libido, and fertility," he added as reported by Times of India.
However, not all carbohydrates are equal in terms of content and how they were created. Professor Simpson said that the adaptation of the LPHC (Low protein high carbohydrate) diet depends on individual circumstances.
When they tested laboratory mice, they found out that the mix of protein and carbs has produced the same benefits for the body as restricting calorie by 40%. Mail Online reports that eating smaller amounts of proteins and a lot of healthy carbohydrates can be practical and healthier for humans.
The good sources of high quality proteins are eggs, white meat, soya and milk while healthy carbohydrates entail eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and avoiding refined breads and pastries.
To land to their findings, the scientists compared three 8-week diets which contain varying protein-carbohydrate ratio. Out of the three diet variations, the LPHC diet showed more promise in terms of availability of food choices, same benefits as calorie restriction and promotion of health via better insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and better cholesterol levels.
"According to these mice data and emerging human research, it appears that including modest intakes of high-quality protein and plenty of healthy carbohydrates in the diet is beneficial for health as we age," Simpson said.
