Eating less staple food has always been the golden rule for dieters. However, a recent study published by the American news outlet "Fox News" suggests that people who consume less staple food may see an increase in bad cholesterol.
A study at Colorado State University in the U.S. involved 320 obese adults. One group consumed almost no staple food, with a total daily carbohydrate intake of less than 20 grams; the other group had carbohydrates account for 55% of their total daily caloric intake.
After six weeks, both groups lost about 6 kilograms. The group that ate more staple food saw their bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) decrease by 7 milligrams per deciliter; however, the group that ate fewer staple foods saw their bad cholesterol increase by 12 milligrams per deciliter. Higher levels of bad cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Researchers analyzed that consuming too little staple food can disrupt the body's normal metabolism, leading to a greater release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream during fat breakdown. The more free fatty acids, the higher the risk of developing diabetes. Experts advise that when losing weight, one should not simply cut down on staple foods, and the daily intake must not be less than 100 grams.