Last Research The Atkins Diet example essay topic

Human Nutrition Cynthia Hayden University Of Phoenix SCI 220 July 14, 2003 During the last decade, Americans have been trying to loose weight through various weight loss programs. A specific program that endured ridicule since the early 70's, but has finally been approved has an effective diet, which is the Atkins Diet, by Robert C. Atkins, a cardiologist who spoke highly on the dangers of sugar and carbs. Dr. Atkins had been called names by peers and even brought before a senate committee, but he refused to go unheard. The Atkins diet is a high protein diet, with a restriction of dietary carbohydrates. The Atkins diet eliminates fruits, cereals, breads, grains, starches, baked goods, dairy products, starchy vegetables and sweets.

During the initial two-week induction of the Atkins diet, only pure proteins are allowed. Pure proteins include, meat, fish, shellfish, poultry and eggs, along with pure fats such as butter, olive oil and mayonnaise. A total of 20 grams of carbohydrates are allowed during this initial 2-week period. These carbohydrates include, vegetables as salads, asparagus, broccoli and Kale. Many people has become hook instantly of the Atkins Diets due to this rapid weight reduction within the 2-week period, but as in any diet the first initial weight loss isn't by fat it is water.

When the body is deprived from carbohydrates the body runs short on glucose, which breaks down carbohydrates. The body anticipates these situations by storing emergency glucose, known as glycogen in the muscle and liver. If carbohydrates are significantly limited, the body will begin to break down this glycogen to obtain glucose for energy. Also, the reduction in Ketosis is not considered to be healthy according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AA ICR), inducing ketosis can lead to muscle breakdown, dehydration, headaches, nausea and severe as kidney problems. Also, the A ICR warns, by omitting certain foods, and even entire food groups that certain diets are deficient in such major nutrients as dietary fiber and carbohydrates, as well as in selected vitamins, minerals and protective photochemical.

According to the Heart Association, all carbohydrates are not equal. The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body specially the brain and the nervous system. Complex carbohydrates - starches - are those found in such foods as whole grains, breads, pasta, cereal, potatoes, fruits and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates - sugars - are those found in sweets and white flour. The American Heart Association believes that High-protein diets may be associated with increase risk for heart disease. According to the AHA when diets in protein are severely limited in carbohydrates choice are restrictive and overall nutrient adequacy is of concern.

Successful weight loss occurs more frequently when a nutritional diet that allows for caloric deficits. The idea that a high carb diet is responsible for obesity and illness is completely contradicted by many population-based studies. For example, in Japan and other foreign countries, carbohydrates compose the overwhelming majority of daily caloric intake. Foods including grains, rice and vegetables, in which are high carb foods are daily consumptions in other countries. The intake of high protein and high fat animal products are very minimal.

According to studies, Japan has one of the lowest rates of obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes in the world. The Atkins diet is strictly a structured diet without supplements. Currently, there are foods that have been tailored specifically for low carb diets and recently fast food restaurants such a McDonald's has brought about a low cab salad. As in any diet exercise is a must to maintain the weight loss. The financial cost for the Atkins diet can range from 50 cents to $15.00 dollars. A lot of retailers such as wal-mart has began to stock low carb food, which has reduce the cost of the Atkins diet tremendously.

The estimated cost to lose least 20 lbs is approximately $200.00 this depends of the products that is bought by the consumer. On a average Atkins Diet plan a consumer normally consumes 1830 calories, rather than consumer that are on a 1100 low-fat diet Furthermore, new research presented by Dr. Atkins has been proven that elevated triglycerides and low high density lipoproteins may prove to be the most important risk factors in reducing heart disease. In closing, one would say that the Atkins Diet could be deadly to once health, but according to the last research the Atkins Diet has been proven to be safe and effective. Overall, I believe that diets are treated just like a business and everyone is out to make a buck.

Maintaining a proper intake of food consumptions, along with a good exercise program is all one could say that a person needs to loose weight.

Bibliography

A taste of the Atkins Diet Retrieved July 14, 2003. web The.