by KYW’s medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

We know that a low-carb diet can be an effective way to lose weight and fads like the South Beach Diet have clearly shown that there can be excellent results. But now a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine raises a critical point, health benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet may depend on the type of protein and fat consumed.

The study looked at over 85,000 women and 45,000 men over twenty years. Some patients ate predominantly an animal-based low-carbohydrate diet, while others ate a vegetable-based low-carbohydrate diet. The researchers found that diets that emphasized animal sources of fat and protein were associated with far greater mortality from all causes, including heart disease. Those who had a vegetable based low carbohydrate diet fared much better.

When you think about it, it makes sense. Over the years vegetables have been shown to have a protective effect against disease.