Why Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Work?

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Low carbohydrate diets have become a popular trend but remain controversial of whether these diets actually work. Personally, I did not know a whole lot about low carbohydrate diets, but in doing some research, I have learned a few important facts about this type of diet. Carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed or digested as either starches or sugars. The carbohydrates that do not digest or absorb in the body, they are then released out of the body. For example, fiber is one particular carbohydrate that is excreted because it cannot be fully digested in the body (Winston). I think that low carbohydrate diets can be successful in helping people to lose weight. I have always been taught that carbohydrates can supply a quick burst of energy. …show more content…
While the human body stores carbohydrates for energy, the body is capable of only storing a certain amount. As a result, these extra carbohydrates are converted into fat. This article states that whenever a person does not burn as many carbohydrates as he or she eats, his or her body will transform those calories into fat. Carbohydrates are converted into fat beginning with the formation of acetyl CoA, which comes from glucose. All of the acetyl CoA is combined together, which creates triglycerides. If a person’s body does not have enough triglycerides, it is not very critical. On the other hand, when a person has too many triglycerides is when the body uses these extra carbohydrates and changes them into fat (Crilly, 2015). On the contrary, through my research, I came across an article that stated a few negative effects of not consuming enough carbohydrates. A few of these effects include: decreased testosterone and thyroid output, repressed function in immune system, and weakened mental functions and mood functions (Pierre). Therefore, my opinion of whether or not low carbohydrate diets work is somewhat in the middle. I do not think that an individual should completely get rid of all carbohydrates, nor do I think that consuming carb after carb is a healthy decision to make either. Instead, I think it is a balance of the

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