Weight loss diets and cholesterol

Low in carbohydrates and high in protein diets, promoted for weight loss can be dangerous, according to a recent study in Israel and revealed in a Science Daily article. The work done on mice showed a significant increase in atherosclerosis, namely the existence of plaques in the arteries inner wall and a reduced ability of the body to form new vessels in an area deprived of blood flow, called neoangiogenesis, as happens after a heart attack or stroke in other body muscles. Another case that may be important for new blood vessels formation is when blood flow is diminished by the presence of plaques. Intermittent claudication is a clear example. The researchers propose that one reason for that type of diet increases heart risks is that a system called "vascular progenitor cells, that normally acts to cope with vascular injuries, is lessened with diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein. I bring this discussion because I think one of the best ways to combat obesity and overweight is a rational use of medicinal plants, which may act at different key points to help to control this problem.