If you're confused about carbohydrates, you're not alone. Carbs are one of the six nutrients used by the body for energy and 1 gram=4 calories. Carbs are important because they:

• Are the main main source of fuel for the body

• Are quickly and easily used by the body for energy

• Can be stored in the muscles for exercise

• Provide lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber

• Help your body function properly without fatigue

The trick is to choose the right kinds of carbs and, of course, eat a reasonable amount of them. Too many carbs (or too much of anything, really) can be stored as fat.

So what is 'low-carb'?

• The National Academy of Sciences recommends no less than 120 grams of carbs per day

• The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 300 grams of carbs per 2000 calories (about 60% of total calories)

• Atkins initially recommends 20 grams per day (less than 5%)

• Protein Power recommends about 12-15% of calories should be carbs

• The Zone advises keeping carbs at 40% of total calories

While we don't know which, if any, recommendation is right, recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine report that participants who successfully followed low-carb plans for six months lost more weight than those who ate low-fat. Those on the Atkins diet raised their levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol.

Note: Almost half the participants dropped out of their programs and, after a year, the Atkin's followers regained up to a third of the pounds they lost.

There's no question that people lose weight on low-carb diets, but are they safe? Is it possible to stick to them?

Low Carb Diets - Low Carb Diet plan online