In a recent study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers find that a low protein, high carb diet could stimulate a hormone that extends life and fight obesity.
The hormone is called Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), or ‘fountain of youth’. It is produced primarily in the liver.
Why can this hormone extend life?
Previous research has shown that FGF21 can help curb appetite, moderate metabolism, and improve the immune system.
Currently, this hormone is used in diabetes treatment.
In the study on animals, the research group find that a diet high in carb and low in protein could boost this hormone most in the body.
This is different from the popular view that high protein diets like Paleo diet are the best for people when they age.
It suggests that if people want to have later health life and longevity, a low protein, high carb diet may be the best choice.
In the study, researchers fed 858 mice one of 25 diets that varied in protein, carbohydrate, fat and energy.
These diets ranged from 5% to 60% protein and 5% to 75% carb and fat.
The researchers examined how nutrients in the diets affected the FGF21 levels in the mice.
They found that the mice in the low protein high carb diet group produced most FGF21.
In addition, when high carb diets increased FGF21 levels, the mice compensated for the excess by burning more energy. In that way, they avoided to get obesity.
The researchers suggest that the balance between carb and protein is important for FGF21 hormone production, and that this balance was also shown to be important in how this hormone helps to mediate protein hunger.
In addition, they explain that FGF21 is switched on by a low protein intake, and its metabolic effects vary on whether it’s coupled with high energy or low energy.
The finding helps them understand the work of FGF21 better, and they hope one day they will be able to use FGF21 to help people live longer and healthier lives.
While the research shows that a low protein, high carb diet can bring health benefits, other studies have found that Paleo diet, a high fat, low carb diet may cause some health problems.
One study suggests that Paleo diet can increase body weight and harm one’s health.
The study from Melbourne University shows that when people have an inactive lifestyle, this diet can make them gain weight fast.
For people with diabetes and pre-diabetes, the diet can be quite risky.
In the study, the researchers gave different groups of mice different diets. They found that mice on a high fat, low carb diet gained more weight (15% of body weight) and had worse glucose intolerance and higher insulin levels.
The team said that the level of weight gain could lead to lots of health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, worse bone health and arthritis.
For people who is already overweight, this diet would only further increase blood sugar and insulin levels and could lead to diabetes.
The researchers suggest that Mediterranean diet is the best for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes.
So, if you want to try a Paleo diet, talk to your healthcare providers first and ask for their advise.
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