Carbohydrate health effects

In contrast with a Step 1 or Step n diet, a high-MUFA-diet tends to raise HDL cholesterol and lower TAG concentrations [176,177,193,194]. In agreement with this evidence, hazelnut, an excellent source of MUFA and minor components [12,117] may prove to be beneficial in this respect In addition to MUFA, other components in hazelnut oil have been reported to reduce plasma total and LDL cholesterol concentrations these include PUFA [140,141,183,195], phytosterols and phy-tostanols [127,142,146], and tocotrienol [156]. Besides favorable changes in plasma fipid profiles, a MUFA-rich diet instead of carbohydrates for SEA calories may favorably affect CVD risk [196] and has positive effects on atherosclerosis [197]. Furthermore, phytosterols and phytostanols have been shown to decrease the risk of certain types of cancer [132-134] and CVD [136,137], and enhance immune functions [139], Hazelnut oil, which is an excellent source of tocopherols [12,160], has also been shown to reduce the risk of CHD [46]. As stated above, health effects of vitamin E isofotms (a-, P-, y-, and 8-tocopherols and tocotrienols) have been well documented [49,150,198,199]. 

Low-carbohydrate diets lack essential vitamins and minerals because of inadequate consumption of fruit, vegetables, and grains, and require supplementation to achieve nutritional adequacy. Controlled trials of low-carbohydrate diets are necessary to establish long-term effectiveness and adverse health effects or benefits. 

See also Carbohydrates Resistant Starch and Oligosaccharides. Dietary Fiber Potential Role in Etiology of Disease Role in Nutritional Management of Disease. Functionai Foods Health Effects and Clinical Applications. 

Preuss, H. G. (2009). Bean amylase inhibitor and other carbohydrate absorption blockers Effects on diabesity and general health. J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 28, 266-276. 

In recent years the consumption of carbohydrates in the form of refined sugar has received significant attention from health professionals. The annual consumption of sugar in the United States is about 50 pounds per person or just under 1 pound per week. The adverse effects of excessive sugar in the diet include obesity, increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, tooth decay, and disruptive behavior such as hyperactivity in children. Because of these problems, the food industry has used a number of synthetic or artificial sweeteners in place of sugar. These artificial sweeteners may reduce the use of sugars, but they have also been... 

Polydextrose was the first of the new generation , healthier speciality carbohydrates to be used in soft drinks. In the 1980s, Otsuka in Japan launched Fibermini, which was in effect a flavoured polydextrose solution aimed at the health drink market as a fibre supplement. 

---