Low Carb Theory

• Low-carb diets are actually more effective at reducing cholesterol (and arterial plaque buildup) than other forms of diets. According to a study published in the July 2007 "New England Journal of Medicine," a low-carb diet helps to trigger more weight loss and a greater improvement in cholesterol profile (more HDL---the "good" cholesterol, along with less LDL---the "bad cholesterol) than traditionally accepted low-fat diets. Cholesterol levels improved by around 20 percent in individuals on a low-carb approach, compared to only 12 percent by those adhering to a low-fat diet.
  
  

Low Carb Diet

• Follow a diet consisting of no more than 20 to 30 grams of carbs per day, with the majority of those carbs coming from fibrous green vegetables such as broccoli, cucumber, spinach, and lettuce. While on this diet, consume as much protein and fat as you like. Quality protein sources include meats of all kind, seafood, eggs and poultry, while quality fat sources include oils (olive, flax, palm, coconuts, fish, and the like), nuts, seeds, legumes and natural fats from fruits like avocados and coconuts. Aim to consume between four and six meals per day, with meals spaced out evenly---every three to four hours. And strive to keep your carb intake similarly balanced---avoid consuming all (or a majority) of your daily carbs in one sitting, but rather eat them in small amounts throughout the course of the day. This will help to better your cholesterol profile while simultaneously loosening arterial plaque.