Здравейте! Много неща са изписани тук за тази диета и май спорът е разгорещен. Ето какво прочетох за диетата на Аткинс напоследък и да си призная, не бих я опитала. Звучи ми по-скоро като криеща сериозни рискове за здравето, макар и да се отслабва от нея. И това не е единствения материал, който изказва такова мнение. В нета има и много други.



A Taste of the Atkins Diet
By Jill St. Ambrogio

The arguments for and against high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets, such as Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, continue to be debated.

Proponents report that by limiting carbohydrate intake the body burns stored fat. The philosophy is that high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets force the body into a fasting state called ketosis, which may bring about quick weight loss.

During the two-week induction phase of Dr. Atkins' diet, only pure proteins are allowed. Pure proteins include meat, fish and shellfish, poultry, and eggs, along with pure fats such as butter, olive oil, and mayonnaise.

No more than 20 grams of carbohydrates are allowed during this period, in the form of such vegetables as salad, asparagus, broccoli, and kale. No fruit, bread, grains, or starchy vegetables such as potatoes are allowed.

However, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), deliberately inducing ketosis can lead to muscle breakdown, dehydration, headaches, nausea, and kidney problems. Further, the AICR warns, "By omitting certain foods, and sometimes even entire food groups, these diets are deficient in such major nutrients as dietary fiber and carbohydrates, as well as in selected vitamins, minerals, and protective phytochemicals."

To offset this deficiency, the Atkins Diet requires the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Heart association concerned

All carbohydrates are not equal. Their primary function is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. Complex carbohydrates - starches - are those found in such foods as whole grain breads, pasta, cereal, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates - sugars - are those found in sweets and white flour.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a position statement against high-protein diets. An article in the AHA journal Circulation published on October 9, 2001, explains that weight loss that occurs as a result of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet is likely to be mostly water weight.

The AHA states: "High-protein diets may be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease. . .When diets high in protein are severely limited in carbohydrates, food choices become restrictive and overall nutrient adequacy and long-term palatability are also of concern. Successful weight loss occurs most frequently when a nutritionally adequate diet that allows for caloric deficits. . .is tailored according to individual food preferences. A minimum of 1,200 calories per day for women and 1,500 calories per day for men should be provided. . .Over the long term, diet should be consistent with a balanced eating plan that supports weight maintenance and lowers chronic disease risk."

The appeal of early weight loss may help dieters to continue to limit their carbohydrate intake, and this may account for continued weight loss. However, the safety and efficacy of these diets have not been documented in long-term studies. What is known, is that by eating more protein over time than the body needs, particularly if the source is primarily animal protein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-the "bad" cholesterol) increases. Also, the excess protein increases the loss of urinary calcium, which may cause osteoporosis.