Confused about carbs?
Low-carb diets, which swap carbohydrates for protein or fat, have been popular off and on for decades. The long-term cardiovascular effects remain unclear, but the source and amount of proteins and fats (in addition to carbs) also play a role. Diets that include more animal-based protein and fats (such as beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and cheese) instead of carbohydrates have been linked to a greater risk of early death. In contrast, diets that include more plant-based proteins and fats (from vegetables, legumes, and nuts) have been linked to a lower risk.
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