Macro partitioning
Low-carbohydrate diets improve favorable cardiovascular risk markers (Triglycerides and HDL) compared to low-fat diets, but worsen LDL cholesterol levels.
If you switch to a low-carb diet, expect your HDL (good cholesterol) to go up and Triglycerides to go down, which is good. However, your LDL (bad cholesterol) may rise compared to a low-fat diet. You should monitor your full lipid panel and discuss these trade-offs with your doctor, as the net cardiovascular benefit is unclear.
Triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values changed more favorably in individuals assigned to low-carbohydrate diets... but total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values changed more favorably in individuals assigned to low-fat diets
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of RCTs, but small sample size and moderate quality.
Source
Effects of Low-Carbohydrate vs Low-Fat Diets on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Alain Nordmann et al. · Archives of Internal Medicine · 2006
DOI 10.1001/archinte.166.3.285
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →