Dietary carbohydrates: role of quality and quantity in chronic disease

[Orangeblossom]

Interesting new article in the BMJ

Dietary carbohydrates: role of quality and quantity in chronic disease

David S Ludwig and colleagues examine the links between different types of carbohydrates and health

Carbohydrate is the only macronutrient with no established minimum requirement. Although many populations have thrived with carbohydrate as their main source of energy, others have done so with few if any carbohydrate containing foods throughout much of the year (eg, traditional diets of the Inuit, Laplanders, and some Native Americans).12 If carbohydrate is not necessary for survival, it raises questions about the amount and type of this macronutrient needed for optimal health, longevity, and sustainability. This review focuses on these current controversies, with special focus on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death.

https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2340

[Orangeblossom]

I thought this was of interest:

"Although carbohydrates are the only food constituents that directly increase blood glucose (the main determinant of insulin secretion), population studies suggest that the total amount of carbohydrate as a percentage of dietary energy is less important than the carbohydrate type for risk of chronic disease. Refined grains, potatoes, and sugar sweetened beverages are associated with increased risk,15 whereas minimally processed grains, legumes, and whole fruits are associated with reduced risk.16 This distinction may be explained partly by differences in how specific carbohydrates affect postprandial hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaema, which are causally related to the development of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and perhaps obesity.17"

but I think we have perhaps discussed legumes enough elsewhere... interesting though. Useful to read about the stuff on GL.

[Victronix]

An interesting study on low-carb diets just came out. The news article is here:

Eating a low-carb diet may shorten your life – unless you go vegan too
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2176933-eating-a-low-carb-diet-may-shorten-your-life-unless-you-go-vegan-too/

And the original research study is here:
Dietary carbohydrate intake and mortality: a prospective cohort study and meta-analysis
August 16, 2018
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30135-X/fulltext

Interpretation
Both high and low percentages of carbohydrate diets were associated with increased mortality, with minimal risk observed at 50–55% carbohydrate intake. Low carbohydrate dietary patterns favouring animal-derived protein and fat sources, from sources such as lamb, beef, pork, and chicken, were associated with higher mortality, whereas those that favoured plant-derived protein and fat intake, from sources such as vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and whole-grain breads, were associated with lower mortality, suggesting that the source of food notably modifies the association between carbohydrate intake and mortality.

[Victronix]

Just a caveat on that lancet article's findings - here is a video critique by Mike Mutzel, MS (Author, Belly Fat Effect)

Low-Carb: Will it Shorten Your Life?
https://youtu.be/6iwWvNwsXPs

[circular]

Just a caveat on that lancet article's findings - here is a video critique by Mike Mutzel, MS (Author, Belly Fat Effect)

Low-Carb: Will it Shorten Your Life?
https://youtu.be/6iwWvNwsXPs

omg, personally I found his delivery excruciating. Hopefully another video will turn up that presents the opposing point of view in a more organized and efficient manner. I do thank you for the link for the points he made though.