New research shows us that our low carb approach is best at reducing fat storage and promoting fat oxidation as well as keeping blood glucose and insulin down; thus reducing inflammation and metabolic syndrome factors.

From ScienceDaily, "Metabolic syndrome is a condition afflicting one quarter to one third of adult men and women and is an established pre-cursor to diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Patients have long been advised to eat a low-fat diet even though carbohydrate restriction has been found to be more effective at reducing specific markers, such as high triglycerides, characteristic of the syndrome. Now, a new study indicates that a diet low in carbohydrates is also more effective than a diet low in fat in reducing saturated fatty acids in the blood and reducing markers of inflammation."

The data indicates that dietary carbohydrate rather than fat is a more significant nutritional factor contributing to inflammation and saturated fat in the blood. 

One of the remarkable effects in the data presented that may have contributed to the results is that despite the three-fold greater saturated fat in the diet for the low carb group, saturated fat in the blood turned out to be higher in the low fat group due to the process known as carbohydrate-induced lipogenesis. Dr. Volek points out that "this clearly shows the limitations of the idea that 'you are what you eat.' Metabolism plays a big role. You are what your body does with what you eat."

In other words, carbohydrates increase saturated fats in the blood and eating fat diminishes saturated fat in the blood.  That is why I have a big problem with the food guide pyramid, it is a high carbohydrate and low fat nutrition guide that increases insulin secretion and the amount of calories stored in your body as fat.  Ahem, obesity epidemic? 

Dietary fat (especially omega 3's) on the other hand, helps to promote muscle maintenance and fat burning, supports brain function, and lubricates your organ systems.  Say bye, bye to the low-fat hysteria and hello to real meats, fish, nuts, and bountiful fruits and vegetables.