Trying to reduce cholesterol while going on a low Carb diet to lose weight is probably not a good idea. Although losing weight quickly seems very appealing, using high protein diets, may eventually have an adverse effect on your lowering cholesterol efforts, simply because these low carb fad diets contain plenty of high in saturated fat and high in cholesterol foods, such as meat, egg and fatty dairy products that can trigger health problems even to people who don’t have high cholesterol levels.

These low carb diets may significantly interfere with your plan to reduce cholesterol, by elevating your dietary cholesterol levels, raising your overall blood cholesterol and increasing your chance to suffer from atherosclerosis, heart disease and other conditions related to high cholesterol levels.

When the USDA recommended Americans to take 6 servings of grains in their meals, in 1996, this was when the low carb term was first introduced. From recent study it appears that more than on third of Americans try to lose weight using low carb diets like the very popular Atkins diet and South Beach diet.

A low carb diet such as the Atkins diet, that doesn’t permit the consumption of any form of carbohydrates (all grains, sugar, rice etc.) for several weeks promoted higher levels of acidity in the blood putting the dieter in serious risk for elevated cholesterol levels and chronic health conditions such as heart disease. Getting rid of obesity by putting oneself in a risk of all obesity symptoms is an absurd and dangerous act.

Another effect triggered by the Atkins diet, is a highly dangerous condition called ketosis that may cause severe damage to the liver, among other less fatal side effects like constipation and nausea.

The south beach diet is yet another low carb fat diet like the Atkins diet, but less restrictive when it come to carbohydrates. The south beach diet limits the amount of carbs while preaches for high fat and high protein intake. The south beach diet is less harmful than the Atkins diet when it comes to cholesterol management and the risk for heart disease, but it can nevertheless; significantly impact your efforts to reduce cholesterol.

The secret to gradual and safe weight loss including keeping lower cholesterol levels is eating at least 5 small meals a day each containing a solid balance of proteins and carbohydrates. Combine a well balanced diet which is also low in cholesterol and rich in healthy proteins, fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains, with supplements aimed at lowering overall cholesterol and regular exercise and you’re on the right track to lose weight, reduce cholesterol, safely and naturally without unnecessary risk.