Australian researchers showed that consuming a diet with high carbohydrates and low in fat helps people lose weight and also makes them feel happier than eating less carbohydrate but more meat and dairy products.
The study was based on 106 overweight or obese adults living in Australia, were between 24 and 64 years and made one of two diets for a year: a low-fat and high in carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice) or another with low carbohydrates and high in fat, with more meat and dairy products.
Researchers at several Australian institutions found that dieters lost an average of 13.7 kilos, without significant difference between groups.
But after a year, people who followed the diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat were less angry, depressed and confused than those who ate more meat and dairy products.
“After a year, there was a favorable effect of energy-restricted diet (low fat) compared with the isocaloric (low carb) on the mood of individuals with overweight or obesity,” the researchers in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The team said both groups were less angry, depressed and confused after eight weeks of diet, but added that in the course of a year, those who ate little fat kept the good humor, while those who ate fewer carbohydrates returned to their state earlier.
Investigators said both diets followed by 12 months had similar effects on memory, which improved after that time, although the speed of mental processing remained virtually unchanged.
The results of the investigation, the team are consistent with epidemiological studies showing that food high in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression and has beneficial effects on psychological wellbeing .
Tags: carbohydrates, depression, diet with high carbohydrates, food high in carbohydrates, Health and Diseases
