High-carb diets not harmful: Study

NEW YORK: It is the news millions have been waiting for -- high-carb diets are good for you.
 
Yes, researchers at University of Virginia in the United States have carried out a study and found that people who consume diets rich in starch and sugar tend to be slimmer and healthier.
 
"(It's) totally contrary to current nutritional thinking, carbohydrates are not fattening. In fact it's just the opposite. There is no reason to be eating fewer carbs -- they're not the enemy," according to lead researcher Professor Glenn Gaesser.
 
Cutting the carbohydrates found in bread, cakes and potatoes is thought to be vital in the fight against flab.
 
But, Prof Gaesser said that such "anti-carbohydrate hysteria is nonsense". "Carbohydrates play an important role in a balanced diet, providing fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Cutting back on carbs often led to eating more fatty foods, leading to weight gain."
 
In fact, the researchers came to the conclusion after analysing dozens of studies into the eating habits and health of thousands of men and women. They failed to find that those who ate lots of carbohydrate were heavier.
 
Instead, according to the findings published in the 'Journal of the American Dietetic Association', those who feasted on carbs were often thinner and healthier than those who severely limited their intake.
 
However, he said that the key to weight loss was to eat fibre-rich foods, exercise regularly and eat reduced fat dairy products and lean meat.