University of Maryland doctors claim that the highly popular Atkins Diet—a high-fat, low-carb regimen—can harm blood vessels more than other commercial diets such as the South Beach Diet and Ornish Phases, which stress low-fat intake. Head researcher Michael Miller, MD, claims that Atkins causes bad cholesterol (LDL) to increase up to 7 percent along with a 30-40 percent jump in inflammation around the heart. A healthier option to lose weight and keep it off is to incorporate lean proteins and unprocessed carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes instead fatty meats and processed white flour.
