Low Carb Diet Linked to Shorter Life Expectancy

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Swearing off carbs may mean forgoing health perks as well: People who ate more whole grains throughout their lives lived longer than those who didn't, reports a new study in the JAMA Network Journals.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health looked at over 120,000 men and women and found that those who ate more whole grains had lower general mortality rates, as well as deaths due specifically to cardiovascular disease. In fact, the team estimates that every one-ounce serving of whole grains reduced a person's risk of an early death by five percent, and their risk of death from heart disease by nine percent. (See these other Banned Foods to Keep in Your Diet.)

Researchers' aren't entirely sure why loading up on good granules is so beneficial, but it probably has something to due with people's lifestyle: Whole-grain eaters had much healthier habits overall than those who skipped the spelt.

Just remember: The healthy emphasis is on whole grains. Once refined, the grains lose about 25 percent of their protein and at least 17 key nutrients, according to the Whole Grains Council, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. What qualifies? More than just brown rice and whole wheat-check out the Best Carbs for Weight Loss for more delicious whole grain options.