Many adults in the United States are dealing with health problems like high blood pressure, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. On top of that, a good number are also overweight or obese.
These conditions are worrisome because they can lead to severe health issues like strokes and heart attacks.
The big question has always been: what’s the best diet to help manage these conditions? Experts haven’t agreed on a single answer—until now.
The Study: Low-Carb Diet vs. DASH Diet
Researchers put 94 adults with high blood pressure, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes to the test. They wanted to see how different diets would affect these people, who were also overweight or obese.
The study compared a Very Low-Carbohydrate (VLC) diet to a DASH diet, which is often recommended for people with high blood pressure.
They also looked at whether extra support activities like cooking classes or emotional support would make a difference.
The results were clear: the VLC diet was the winner. Adults on this diet saw better results in lowering their blood pressure, improving blood sugar levels, and losing weight.
On average, people on the VLC diet lost about 19 pounds, compared to about 10 pounds for those on the DASH diet. Extra support activities didn’t make a noticeable difference in the outcomes.
What This Means: Consider Going Low-Carb
This study adds a valuable piece to the puzzle for adults who are overweight or obese and also have conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
A very low-carbohydrate diet could be a better choice for improving blood pressure, managing blood sugar, and losing weight, at least over a four-month period, when compared to a DASH diet.
If you’re considering making a diet change due to health concerns, this study suggests a VLC diet might be worth a try. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and the top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about the impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
The research findings can be found in The Annals of Family Medicine.
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