Some popular low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets, like the Atkins Diet, are coming under fire as being potentially dangerous to cardiovascular health.

A recent study found that individuals who follow these diet plans do not lose any more weight than those on other plans and that they could be detrimental to overall heart health. Researchers say their results show a significant difference in overall systemic arterial stiffness and pointed to increased cardiovascular risk factors from high-fat low-carbohydrate diets.

"High-fat diets have become popular because they seemingly promote more rapid weight loss and because of their palatability. However, we now have proof that they do not help people lose weight any faster than more conventional diets, and the potential negatives of increased cardiovascular risks far outweigh the potential positives," said the study’s lead author Dr Steven Hunter.

Dr Hunter also says that the best approach for weight loss and overall health is a low-fat high-carbohydrate diet, coupled with exercise.

Some health practitioners have suggested the alkaline diet for those trying to shed extra pounds. It is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes.