"carb" news and stories

Forbes list of the 10 best diets to follow did not include the carb-phobic Atkins diet for a good reason: while people who follow the diet do lose weight, a new case study shows that it could lead to life-threatening health complications.

The study followed the case of a woman who developed a condition known as ketoacidosis while following the diet. Though it is somewhat rare, the disease is caused by a buildup of ketones in the blood-stream. Ketones are produced by the liver when insulin levels fall and more are produced the lower the insulin levels get. An excessive buildup of ketones in the blood can cause patients to fall into a coma, preceded by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

According to WebMD, ketosis, which would precede the onset of the extreme condition of ketoacidosis, can be prevented by eating approximately 100 grams of carbohydrates a day, or about 1 cup of oatmeal. Carb-Counter.org is a good source of information regarding the amount of carbohydrates in various foods.

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Over the past few years, the potato has fallen out of fashion with those who watch their weight, due to the popularity of low carb diets. One medium spud, with skin on, has no fat, about 110 calories and 23 grams of carbohydrates. In low carb diet plans, like Atkins, the maximum number of carbs “allowed” daily could be as low as 20 grams. Potatoes were to low carb-ers what heavy cream is to low fat dieters: feared and forbidden. But potatoes are back on the menu now.

Scientists in the UK have developed a low carb potato, the Vivaldi. With a creamy texture, the potato has 38% fewer carbohydrates and 56% fewer calories than a traditional potato. The potatoes are currently available at Sainsbury markets, but it’s only a matter of time before they make their way to the U.S. side of the Atlantic. Carb-conscious french fries could be on menus in the near future, too.

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