South Beach Diet for Lowering Cholesterol

The South Beach Diet is a low-glycemic alternative to lose weight, lower cholesterol and improve overall health.

Function

• The focus of the diet is to reduce cravings for sugar and starches by eliminating highly processed carbohydrates. This keeps blood sugar levels steady and facilitates weight loss.

History

• The diet was formulated in the early 2000s by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist in Florida. He used it to treat overweight patients with heart and vascular problems associated with obesity.

Features

• For the first two weeks, all starches and sugars are eliminated from the diet. Lean protein, vegetables, low-fat dairy and healthy oils are allowed. After two weeks, whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, fruits and sweet potatoes are reintroduced.

Benefits

• Participants have reported weight loss and improved skin conditions within three months of starting the diet. It also helps lower low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, and it may reduce the risk for certain illnesses associated with chronic inflammation.

Expert Insight

• A 2005 study funded by Kraft Foods, Inc., showed participants of the South Beach Diet lost twice as much weight and body fat as those on a traditional low-fat diet. There also was a significant reduction in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels.