Nutrition Wise: For weight loss, low-carb not as important as low-calorie
1 November, 2004
By Journal Times news services
Will "low-carb" foods help me lose weight?
Maybe. But the bottom line for weight loss is to burn
more calories than you consume. Since there is no legal
definition of low-carb, these foods may contain as many
calories as regular versions. They may be lower in carbohydrates
but higher in fat or protein, so there is no drop in
total calories. Some low-carb foods also use sugar alcohols
instead of sugar, because sugar alcohols are absorbed
from the digestive tract and raise blood sugars more
slowly. The companies that use sugar alcohols subtract
dietary fiber and sugar alcohol content from the total
amount of carbohydrates to arrive at something called
"net carbs." Keep in mind that this term was
created by food companies, not nutrition experts or
government sources. Furthermore, no matter how slowly
sugar alcohols are absorbed, they still bring all their
calories along. And it's the total number of calories
that affects fat storage. Although some low-carb products
do have fewer calories than regular versions, they are
by no means necessary for weight loss. The best and
most reliable steps you can take to lose
weight are: decreasing your use of high-fat, high-sugar
foods that are concentrated in calories; eating an abundance
of vegetables and fruits that are low in calories; exercising
regularly; controlling your portion sizes; and eating
only when you are truly hungry.
How much cancer risk is inherited?
People with a family history of cancer do face a higher risk of developing cancer, but "cancer genes" are so rare that they are responsible for only 1 percent to 5 percent of cancers. It is more common for people to inherit small abnormalities in one or more genes that make them more vulnerable to cancer-causing influences in their environment or lifestyle. To be prepared, everyone should find out what types of cancer have occurred in their family and at what ages. Then tell your doctor to place that information in your medical records. However, an absence of cancer in your family history is no reason to neglect your health. About 85 percent of cancer patients don't have any family history of the disease. For almost all of us, lifestyle factors like healthy eating, regular exercise, weight control and tobacco avoidance have a much greater effect on our chances of developing cancer than inherited genes.
Is couscous a whole grain?
Couscous may look like a whole grain such as bulgur or brown rice, but it is actually small bits of pasta. Thus most couscous is an enriched refined grain - a good source of complex carbohydrates and vitamins - but not as nutritious as a whole grain. A few food companies do offer whole-wheat couscous. Whole-grain couscous is generally higher in fiber, as well as several vitamins, minerals and natural phytochemicals. Couscous is a fast and delicious addition to a meal. If you don't already eat several servings of whole-grain products each day, or want to vary the whole-grain products you do eat, the whole-grain version of couscous is a quick way to make that happen. It is usually available in health food markets.
The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, (800) 843-8114, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within 48 hours. AICR's web address is: www.aicr.org
Source:www.journaltimes.com
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