The secret to dieting: Cutting out "this"... What food did all five star celebrities avoid?

There is a saying that dieting is a lifelong homework. Even if you exercise daily and control your diet, it is not easy. There are various methods of dieting, and celebrities often follow a particular diet. That is cutting out carbohydrates. In the past, actress Kim Won-hee (52) appeared on a variety show and cited carbohydrate dieting as her secret to losing weight. She said, "I lost 3kg through carbohydrate dieting," and "I didn't lose a lot, but maybe because the carbohydrates are gone, I look slimmer."

Singer and actress Eom Jung-hwa (55) also appeared on a YouTube channel and said, "These days I eat about one meal a day and avoid carbohydrates and sugars," and she added, "I asked, 'What should I do now that I look so good?' and was told I look like someone in their 30s." Actor Lee Joon-gi (42) also appeared on a variety show and revealed, "I have been managing my diet without eating carbohydrates for eight years." Additionally, actress Jung Yu-mi (41) once shared her two-week diet secret, saying, "If you cut out flour and carbohydrates for two weeks and exercise for two hours a day, anyone can achieve a perfect bikini body." Recently, singer and actress Hye-ri (30) gained attention for her carbohydrate-free diet method. She said, "I decided to do it because I was gaining weight continuously and it was becoming a problem," and added, "The results are good, but it's very difficult." What effects does cutting out carbohydrates have on health?

In fact, during dieting, it is better to reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates such as bread, rice, and noodles. Refined carbohydrates tend to cause obesity. Eating foods with a high glycemic index causes a sudden increase in blood sugar, which triggers a rapid release of insulin to regulate it. As a result, blood sugar drops quickly, leading to renewed appetite and potentially overeating. The insulin secreted in the body stores the elevated blood sugar in fat cells, leading to obesity.

Refined carbohydrates are closely related to skin health. Consuming a lot of refined carbohydrates promotes increased blood sugar levels (the body's ability to metabolize glucose), which in turn increases the growth factor 'IGF-1' responsible for sebum production. When this factor increases, it can easily trigger skin inflammation, leading to acne and folliculitis. Additionally, the body's resistance to fungi, viruses, and other pathogens decreases, weakening the skin's immune system. In fact, according to a study by Seoul National University Hospital's research team, people without acne tended to consume foods with low glycemic index such as green and yellow vegetables or soybeans, whereas those who sought treatment for acne more frequently consumed refined carbohydrates like hamburgers, donuts, bread, and ramen, which are high in simple sugars and have a high glycemic index.

Furthermore, refined carbohydrates increase the risk of cancer development. In fact, a study by a nutrition research team at New York University in the United States, which tracked approximately 3,200 people over more than 20 years, found that men who consumed a lot of foods that raise blood sugar levels, such as refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, had a threefold higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, women who consumed a lot of unrefined carbohydrates had a 67% lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who ate more refined carbohydrates.

However, completely cutting out carbohydrates, which are essential nutrients, is actually bad for health. When carbohydrates are lacking, it is easy to feel tired and lethargic in daily life because there are not enough carbohydrates used as the body's energy source. Additionally, if we consume fewer carbohydrates than needed, our bodies will use more protein. At this time, as protein is depleted, muscle function weakens, making lethargy more likely. Therefore, it is recommended to consume 45-55% of daily caloric intake from unrefined carbohydrates.

<Source: Health Chosun>