Meat versus poultry, fish and seafood?

November 20, 2014

In this study, moderately obese subjects consumed one of two different low-carb diets as part of a weight loss program. In the first diet, most of the protein was from red meat and was higher in saturated fat. In the second diet, most of the protein was from poultry, fish and shellfish and was higher in polyunsaturated fat. The researchers figured both groups would lose weight (they did) but wanted to see what differences might occur in blood measures like cholesterol.

Interestingly, despite “high cholesterol and fat” intakes on both diets, neither diet produced significant changes in cholesterol levels. And triglycerides came down in both groups (though the effect reached statistical significance only in the poultry-fish-shellfish group).

Saturated fat from whole foods (like eggs) is nothing to fear, especially when the overall content of the diet is also rich in other fats like the omega-3s and the monounsaturates. And an increasing body of evidence is showing that replacing high-sugar processed carbohydrates with fat has significant health benefits.

Remember, though, that all saturated fat is not created equal. Healthy saturated fat from natural sources like coconut, eggs and hormone-free beef is very different from the damaged fats from charred meats or fried foods, not to mention from deadly trans-fats. The principles of the Atkins Advantage center on whole foods and wholesome snacks. Keep your sugar intake as low as possible, control your carbohydrate consumption, keep your trans-fat intake at zero, get adequate protein, fiber, antioxidants and omegas, and you needn’t worry too much about a little naturally occurring saturated fat.

That’s the lesson to be learned from a growing body of rigorous research, and one we should heed well if we want a healthy life.

Reference;

Effects of low carbohydrate diets high in red meats or poultry, fish and shellfish on plasma lipids and weight loss. Bridget A Cassady, Nicole L Charboneau, Emily E Brys, Kristin A Crouse, Donald C Beitz and Ted Wilson.

Nutrition & Metabolism 2007, 4:23doi:10.1186/1743-7075-4-23

Learn More About Low Carb Articles & Research

The Guide to Atkins Bars

Learn about Atkins most popular protein bars and how they can help support your low carb lifestyle or reach your weight loss goals. Between a busy work week or a hectic schedule at home, trying to reach your nutrition goals can feel like another chore on your to-do list. That’s why finding quality protein bars to

Read More »

35 Easy Keto Dinner Recipe Ideas

Keto Beef Recipes | Keto Pork Chop Recipes | Keto Chicken Recipes | Keto Shrimp Recipes | Vegetarian Keto Recipes | Keto Soup Recipes | Keto Crockpot Recipes | Keto Air Fryer Recipes | Keto Instant Pot® Recipes Whether you’re just getting started with keto or need some new additions to your recipe rotation, it’s

Read More »

20 Keto Breakfast Recipes & Ideas

Keto Breakfast Smoothie Recipes | Keto Breakfast Sandwich Ideas | East Keto Breakfast Recipes with Eggs | Keto Breakfast Casserole Recipes | Keto Breakfast without Eggs Following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you should skimp on a delicious breakfast or eat the same thing every day. In fact, Atkins’ take on keto diets emphasize optimal

Read More »