Over the past few years, popular diet programs have largely sorted themselves into two camps that seem to oppose each other. One approach, sometimes referred to as the “Paleolithic”-style diet, emphasizes high protein intake along with eating fewer carbohydrates. The other approach, often referred to as a “Mediterranean” diet, includes more complex carbs and less protein.

It’s not difficult to find supporters and detractors of both of these trends. For instance, the American Heart Association advises people to steer clear of high-protein diets. They point out that such diets often restrict carbohydrates like grains, fruits, and vegetables, which can lead to serious vitamin deficiencies. Moreover, increasing one’s intake of protein sources like red meat, cheese, and butter can raise the risk of heart disease and cancer. Instead, the American Heart Association recommends a diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fat.