Low Carb Diet Benefits: What Happens As We Age
While plenty of people out there still claim that “carbs are the devil” when it comes to weight loss and avoid them as best they can, carbs are in fact beneficial to our brain health and overall health in general. However, some people may still wish to lower the amount of carbohydrates they consume in a day for practical reasons, in particular those suffering from chronic health conditions such as type one or type two diabetes.
If you’re interested in low carb diet benefits, or if a low carb diet would suit you or somebody you know and care for, then read on to discover the details.
How Are Low Carb Diets Beneficial?
Low carb diets have been shown to have a number of health benefits, particularly for older adults and those who suffer from particular autoimmune problems. Generally, if you are consuming a healthy amount of carbohydrates, there’s no reason to cut them from your diet – but going low-carb can have some surprising health benefits, so long as you continue to eat well and not rely on processed foods.
Improved Blood Sugar Control
Low carb diets can help to lower blood sugar levels (since digestible carbohydrates break down into sugar) and reduce the need for insulin medication. This is especially important for seniors with diabetes, as they are at increased risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness.
A Reduced Risk Of Heart Disease
Low carb diets can help to improve good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure. Both high levels of bad cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease.
The Role Of Carbohydrates And Blood Sugar Levels
Low-carb diets are a very effective way to control blood sugar levels, since carbohydrates are broken down into sugar in the body and cause our blood sugars to rise. To combat this, our bodies release insulin, a hormone that helps to transport sugar from the bloodstream into our cells.
However, if we eat too many carbohydrates, our blood sugar levels can rise too high. Over time, this can damage our blood vessels and nerves over time. It can also lead to weight gain and other health problems. In diabetics, it can also damage the eyes, kidneys and heart.
Seniors And Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body metabolises sugar. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body attacks the cells that produce insulin, and requires a life-long insulin regime. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, and can be managed with medication, diet, and insulin therapy.
Diabetes is more common in older adults, particularly type two. In fact, over half of all adults with diabetes in Australia are over the age of 65.
Low Carb Diet Benefits For Diabetics
Low carb diets have been shown to be effective in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the need for insulin medication in people with diabetes.
One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low carb diet for 6 months had a 30% reduction in their blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control). Another study found that people with type 1 diabetes who followed a low carb diet were able to reduce their insulin dosage and more regularly keep their blood sugars in range.
Top Nosh Meals’ Low Carb Menu
Top Nosh Meals (TNM) offers a variety of low carb meals that are perfect for seniors with diabetes. These meals are all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are free of processed foods and refined carbohydrates. And while our menu does change, you can expect meals such as curried sausages, chicken cacciatore, and a variety of roast meats and fish regularly available. If you or somebody you know can benefit from a low carb diet, why not give TNM’s low carb menu a try?
