The Problem with High Protein Diets

Too much of a good thing?

The Problem with High Protein Diets

There are plenty of experts who aren't crazy about these diets. The main concern is that you eat more high-fat foods--particularly foods that contain a lot of saturated fat (like whole milk, etc.). This is a problem because studies show that a diet high in fat increases our risk of:

• heart disease
• high cholesterol
• liver and kidney damage
• some cancers
• osteoporosis

And what about the study (mentioned previously) that showed an increase in good cholesterol on the Atkins plan? The American College of Preventative Medicine isn't impressed.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is also concerned. After a review of five of the most popular high-protein diets, they concluded that these diets may encourage quick weight loss but the long-term consequences of a high fat diet are worse.

The question is: Do the short-term benefits of high protein diets (weight loss) outweight the long term consequences (risk of heart disease)? That's what scientists are trying to find out.

Next: Choosing The Right Diet

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