The scientific and practical amount of carbohydrates needed in the diet is ZERO, NONE. Carbohydrates are not a requirement for any body function. In fact, it appears that the lower the carbohydrate level in the diet the better the long term health. Age related degenerative diseases are caused by high levels of carbohydrates in the diet. One can be on a very low or zero carbohydrate diet indefinitely as has been shown by the study of many primitive societies.

Stefansson 1 - Eskimos Prove An All Meat Diet Provides Excellent Health.

Samuel said, "The metabolization of fat requires some carbohydrate. Without carbohydrate the metabolization process ends midway producing ketones."

The above statement is incorrect. Carbohydrates are not required in the diet to metabolize fats. The following page on this site explains why ketones are formed.

Active Low-Carber Forums - Ketosis Facts and Myths.

In the history of mankind the very low-carbohydrate diet most common. Examples are the hunter of old, American Plains Indians and northern Eskimos before modern white man appeared in their areas. Their all meat diets provided them with excellent health as has been proven my many explorers. On the other hand, high-carbohydrate diets have been shown over and over to be disease causing as can be seen in ancient Egyptians and modern English speaking nations.

Kent