Low Fat or Low Carb, Lab Report Example

Low-Fat or Low Carb Diets-which is Healtier?

Abstract

This report presents the potential risks a low-fat or a low-carbohydrate diet can have on a person, more specifically on women. Significant data was gathered from different health research groups showing the correlation between dieting and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Introduction

Because of significant lifestyle changes, the risks in having cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has increased. This is a disease which involves the heart and/or blood vessels in the human body (Wikipedia.org)

According to AmericanHeart.org, CVDs claimed 831,272 lives in 2006. Currently, there is an estimated 1.3 million people who die of CVD every year (GreenFacts). More than half of the deaths in the United States are caused by CVDs, and is usually the part of the top five death causes in lesser developed countries (Internet FAQ archives).

Materials and methods

To determine which is healthier, a low-fat diet or a low-carbohydrate diet, we would have to gather information on people who take-part in these diets. Once we have these individuals, standards are to be set to determine their level of health in connection with the cardiovascular diseases.

To obtain this information, interviews and surveys are to be conducted, and also an optional physical exam. Then, from those results, we are to compare the health levels of people who are on a low-fat diet as to those who are on a low-carbohydrate diet and asses their risks in developing a cardiovascular disease.

Results

The data used was gathered from The Nurse’s Health Study, where participants were rated from 1 -5, 1 being the least healthy. There was a greater risk in women with a dietary score of two or below, meaning they did not get efficient foods containing high fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, a high ratio of unsaturated fats, and lesser trans fats. Although, those who were on low-carbohydrate diets generally tended to weigh less.

The measure of cholesterol was then taken from the participants, and it was shown that participants who had good cholesterol in their diets, and were below the age of 35 had the least risk in developing CVD.

Discussion

A high intake in fatty foods can increase one’s risks in developing CVD (GreenFacts). Fatty food should be avoided, and doctors generally recommend a low-fat diet. Although, with the popularity of the low-carb diet, more and more women are changing their eating habits, making them potential victims of the cardiovascular disease. There are foods which contain a good kind of cholesterol, which is received well by the body. People who are on low-fat diets are generally in lesser risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as compared to those who are on low-carbohydrate diets. Even though it is harder to lose weight while on a low-fat diet, as compared to a low-carbohydrate diet, you are less likely to have heart problems, and even lower your risks in adding to the mortality toll CVDs take each year.

Works Cited

“Diet & Nutrition: 7. Cardiovascular Diseases.” GreenFacts – Facts on Health and the Environment. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.

“Cardiovascular Disease – Effects, Nutrition, Deficiency, Body, Diet, Health, Protein, Fat, Nutrients, Eating, Acids, Weight, Habits, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).” Internet FAQ Archives – Online Education – Faqs.org. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.

“Cardiovascular Disease.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.

“Cardiovascular Disease Statistics.” American Heart Association. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.