The Science – low carb

Here is a simplistic explanation: insulin moves fat into fat cells. A lot of insulin moves a lot of fat into fat cells. Carbohydrates cause a lot of insulin. Simplistic but concise.

The Basic Assumption of the Carb Paradigm is Wrong

Glucose is not the preferred fuel of muscle cells under normal human resting metabolic conditions or even under most normal exercise. Fat is. In fact, when you consider how ridiculously small the body’s glycogen reservoirs are, you understand that it would have been impossible for us to survive as a species if glucose were truly the “preferred” fuel. Fat is the perfect fuel for us. It’s efficient. It burns clean. And it’s the type of fuel our bodies like to burn. Otherwise, why else would we store it on our bodies for lean times? Given an unlimited supply of glucose and regular refilling of glycogen stores, skeletal muscle will burn through it during exercise the same way a fire burns through kindling when that’s all you have to offer. The body can shift carbohydrate oxidation to keep up with intake. But skeletal muscle can burn fat with great efficiency (and far less oxidative fallout) at relatively high outputs for very long bouts. Cardiac muscle actually prefers ketones, and the brain can run just fine (maybe even optimally) on a blend of ketones and minimal glucose. It’s possible to live a very long and healthy life never consuming much – if any – in the way of carbs, provided you get adequate dietary protein and fat. The same can’t be said for going too long without protein or fat. Cut too far back on either of those macronutrients and you will eventually get sick and die.

Why Fat?
How do low-carb diets affect cholesterol and triglycerides?
Control Blood Sugar to Preserve Memory
Even a Small Carb Reduction May Help Control Weight
Lower-Carb “Mediterranean” Diet Beats Low-Fat Diet for Diabetics
Will Low-Carb Clog Your Arteries?
Can Cutting Carbs Help an Irritable Bowel?

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