Low-carb diets do not lead to bone loss, according to a new study from the University of Illinois. In fact, people on diets that emphasized meats and dairy products lost less bone mass than those on a diet based on the government's food pyramid, which emphasizes grains.

A research team from the University of Illinois and Penn State University randomly assigned 130 people to either a high- or low-carb diet, and then measured their bone density every four months for a year. The scientists believed the low-carb diet would cause loss of calcium through urination, but instead the high-carb group showed a decline in bone loss and the low-carb group remained stable.

This study appears in the Journal of Nutrition.

Labels: bone_density, carbs

Now that low-carb diets are decreasing in popularity, people are beginning to rediscover the many benefits of pasta. Once touted as something to be avoided, the right kind of pasta is an excellent addition to a healthy nutrition plan.

"On the plus side, pasta supplies a sustained energy release thanks to its low glycemic index. Foods with a low GI are broken down slowly in the body and release their carbohydrate (glucose) gradually into the bloodstream. As a result, they can help you feel full longer."

Whole-grain pasta also helps you consume more minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. It's now possible to find pasta that has been fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to help prevent heart attacks. Read more at TheGlobeandMail.com.

Labels: carbs, healthy_eating