Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Heart Health: New Data from 2025 Studies
The review of the 2025 studies shows that balanced low-carbohydrate diets with quality fats and proteins can improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but their impact depends on the composition of the diet.
A new meta-analysis published in 2025 found that properly balanced low-carbohydrate diets are associated with improved blood lipid profiles and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The key condition for the benefits of such diets is the high quality of consumed fats and proteins, which underscores the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition.
The authors of the review note that when replacing carbohydrates, not only their quantity matters, but also their sources: preference should be given to foods with a low glycemic load, as well as plant proteins and unsaturated fats. In this case, there is a significant reduction in triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which positively affects cardiovascular health.
Contradictions in Research and the Importance of Fat Quality
Despite the positive results, earlier studies have identified not only benefits but also potential risks of low-carbohydrate diets. For example, research from Umeå University (Sweden) showed that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet increased total cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure, which is a risk factor for CVD.
Other large epidemiological studies, such as PURE, indicate a link between high carbohydrate consumption and increased mortality, while high fat intake (including saturated fats) was not associated with an increase in cardiovascular diseases and sometimes even reduced the risk of stroke.
Practical Recommendations
Current data suggest that the choice of an optimal low-carbohydrate diet should be based on:
- the quality and sources of fats and proteins – preference for plant proteins, unsaturated fats;
- moderate reduction of carbohydrates with an emphasis on foods with a low glycemic load;
- maintaining a balance of macro- and micronutrients to prevent deficiencies;
- consideration of individual risk factors and the patient's health status.
Thus, low-carbohydrate diets can become an effective tool for improving cardiometabolic health, provided they are properly formulated and monitored for the body's response.
The original materials are available on the JAMA Internal Medicine platform, where the full review of the 2025 studies is published.
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