Utter 'Cholesterol' and it instantly reminds one of 'Heart Attacks'. The two are inseparable combination as far as the common man is concerned. But not many are aware, that the body inherently contains cholesterol and it performs important functions like production of hormones, Vitamin D etc.

There are two kinds of cholesterol - the good and the bad. In scientific terms, they are termed as HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol respectively. For being a healthy person, you should aim at increasing your HDL cholesterol and decreasing your LDL cholesterol. The main source of cholesterol is the food that we have. Hence, a careful tab over the kind of food that you eat can help to control the bad cholesterol.

Many people tend to wonder whether diets like South Beach diet can prove effective o controlling LDL. South Beach diet was formulated by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a renowned Miami based cardiologist. The aim of Dr. Agatston was to provide his patients with a diet chart that will aid in lowering weight as well as the cholesterol levels.

South beach diet promotes the consumption of good fats viz. the mono saturated fats and restricts the consumption of bad carbohydrates. Instead, it stresses on having more of good carbohydrates. Dr. Agaston promises that the cut in the consumption of bad carbohydrates improve the blood chemistries as well as lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol.

The million-dollar question is 'Does it really help to lower cholesterol?' The truth is that the opinion is divided on this matter.

The South Beach diet is based on the premise that the increased cholesterol and excess insulin levels pose the maximum risk to the heart. In addition, Dr. Agaston is of the opinion that the typical American diet, which is high in processed food, is mainly responsible for increasing both cholesterol as well as insulin levels. Hence, avoiding bad carbohydrates as well as bringing the weight under control is the main target of South Beach diet.

Various clinical research and trials have shown that by sticking to the diet plan formulated by the South Beach diet does help in lowering cholesterol. The cut in the intake of processed carbohydrates and carbohydrate rich food such as rice and pasta definitely brings the cholesterol to favorable levels. Similarly, the intake of high fiber food products also aids in restoring the normal cholesterol levels.

However, some from the medical fraternity are of the opinion that the diet is not as healthy for the heart as Dr. Agaston claims it to be. This is because South beach diet allows the consumption of animal products like chicken, and tender loin of beef, turkey etc. Animal food is high in saturated fats. Similarly, it is also high in proteins. A report by the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association (AHA), states that, "High-protein diets may also be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease due to intakes of saturated fat, cholesterol, and other associated dietary factors." The fact that Dr. Agaston himself takes statin drugs to control his cholesterol lends further credence to the fact that South Beach is ineffective in controlling cholesterol.

Thus, the medical fraternity is divided in its opinion over the ability of South Beach to effectively control cholesterol.