In a 2009 study, Dr. David Jenkins, of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and colleagues found that a low-carbohydrate vegan diet - labeled as "Eco-Atkins" - was effective for weight loss. Now, new research from the team finds the diet may also reduce the risk of heart disease by 10% over 10 years.
According to Dr. Jenkins, many low-carbohydrate diets have been associated with weight loss. But he notes that most of these diets incorporate eating animal proteins and fats, which can increase cholesterol.
On the other hand, diets high in vegetable proteins and oils have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of blood vessels and cause blockages, therefore increasing the risk of heart disease.
Since the Eco-Atkins diet consists of foods both low in carbohydrates and high in vegetable proteins and oils, the St. Michael's team wanted to see whether it could lower heart disease risk.
