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A low-carb diet can reduce your life expectancy by four years

Carbs are good for you after all. - by Laura Barry
  • 15 Feb 2019
A low-carb diet can reduce your life expectancy by four years

A recent study conducted by the University of Harvard has found that a low-carb diet carries the risk of reducing your life expectancy by four years.

After following and analysing the lives of 420,000 people across the globe for 25 years, the researchers discovered that a diet that has too many, or too few carbs, can result in an increased risk of mortality. That is, you could die earlier. However, those that ate carbs in moderation had longer life spans.

People who gained around 50 per cent of their daily calories from carbs had the least risk of premature death, while researchers found diets that were low carb and high in animal protein and fat presented the highest risk of premature death.

healthy colourful salad
Getty

The study also discovered that people who ate a low-carb diet and replaced carbohydrates with proteins and fats from plant sources had a lower risk of premature death to people who replace carbs with animal proteins and fats, which is good news for those of us who are vegetarian or vegan.

The study found that when people try to reduce the amount of carbs they are eating they tend to lower the amount of vegetables, fruit and grains they are eating in favour of animal-based protein such as chicken. However, animal proteins and fats can contribute to biological ageing, inflammation and increase your risk of dying earlier. So, it might be time to replace some of those meaty dishes with healthy vegetables, fruits and grains.

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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