Bad news, bread fans: Based on research zi xiu tang published now within the Annals of Internal Medicine, a low-carb diet is effective for weight loss and cutting your risk of cardiovascular disease.

The research followed 73 participants on the low-fat diet and 75 on a low-carb diet for 12 months. The low-carb dieters were instructed to keep below 40 grams of digestible carbs each day (total carbs minus total fiber). Although the study didn't specifically differentiate between more- and less-refined carbs, the ones that are less-processed tend to have more fiber in them. So, they account for fewer of those precious digestible carbs. When it comes to the low-fat dieters, they were told to obtain less than 30% of the energy intake every day from fats. But, there have been no specific calorie or energy goals in either diet.

Not just did those in the low-carb group shed more pounds weight, they also had significantly lower scores around the Framingham measure, an exam of risk for having a heart attack within the next 10 years based on cholesterol levels, blood pressure level, and smoking habits. So, even if you're not attempting to lose weight, cutting out the carbs could be beneficial.

One common criticism of low-carb diets is that eating large amounts of protein instead might have unintended health effects, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association doesn't recommend high-protein diets for losing weight. And, previous studies of low-carb diets' effects on heart disease showed conflicting results.

But, this study is really a long-term assessment and features a pretty diverse sample of participants, compared to other research (51% of leisure 18 participants were Black and 88% were female). So...darn. It looks like we may see another resurgence from the low-carb diet. Fare thee well, cronut. Hopefully, we'll help you a-grain. Pasta la vista.