Low-Carb Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure

Both low-fat plan and Atkins-style regimen lead to weight loss
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 26, 2010 1:49 PM CST
Low-Carb Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure
Following a low-carb diet may improve blood pressure, new research shows.   (Flickr)

Besides leading to weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet helps lower blood pressure, according to a new study. Research subjects randomly assigned to a low-carb regimen lost about as much weight as patients following a low-fat plan and taking a weight-loss drug—the generic version of the medication marketed as Alli—but showed a significant improvement in blood pressure readings.

"Weight loss was similar but substantial in both groups we studied, but blood pressure improved more in the low-carb dieters," says the lead researcher. "It's important to know you can try a diet instead of medication and get the same weight loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects."
(More diet stories.)

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