It might be difficult to make sense of what one “needs” to be doing to be healthy or integrate into our daily routine because there are countless health trends out there. Some popular health fads are really beneficial to mental and physical health, as well as the community at large. According to CNN, kale is a great superfood that’s high in vitamins, and consuming more plant-based meals will help cut carbon emissions and battle the continued effects of global warming. However, there are a number of “healthy” food fads that you should avoid since they aren’t as good for your health as they are often promoted to be.
To be clear, you shouldn’t have to completely shun any of these “trends,” particularly if you like them. If you want to start the day with a glass of green smoothie or feel good after having Keto, go ahead and do so. However, it’s crucial to remember that many 2021 health fads that are promoted may not have enough (or any) data to support the claims that are made. Do your own homework before jumping into the current health craze. And if you notice a trend taking off and have a little FOMO, avoiding it could be for the best.
Keto
Dietitians are urging individuals to take a break from keto diets, which are currently among the most popular. Keto is essentially a really low-carb plan; thus, it’s quite restricted. As per the NHS, this may lead to unhealthy eating and portray specific food categories (in this example, carbohydrates) as the enemy, when in reality, they are a necessary energy source.
Furthermore, experts have discovered that the ketogenic diet has certain negative side effects. According to a study by UChicago Medicine, Keto may induce kidney stones, low blood pressure, vitamin shortages, constipation, and an increased risk of heart disease. It can also cause a condition known as the “keto flu,” which can cause stomach discomfort and disorientation.
Furthermore, the stringent nature of the ketogenic diet renders it unattainable and unsustainable.
Acai Bowls
Acai berries, and therefore Acai bowls, are considered a brain-boosting, nutrient-dense, and cancer-fighting superfood. As per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no scientific data to support the claims that the Acai berries are actually a miracle fruit.
Acai bowls are also notorious for containing hidden sugar. They may contain up to 50g of sugar, according to the Shape. Acai berries are a tasty treat that, when created with low-sugar components, maybe a healthier alternative to other breakfast options, but they shouldn’t be consumed on a regular basis.
Celery Juice
If you believe the hype, celery juice may help you avoid cancer, combat autoimmune illnesses, relieve gastrointestinal difficulties like IBS, reduce acne, increase energy, and more.
While celery juice isn’t unhealthy for you (it’s simply celery juice and water), the NY Times notes that there isn’t any scientific evidence to back up the drink’s health claims.
Gluten-Free
A gluten-free diet isn’t a fad for people living with celiac disease; it’s a question of life and death. Many people who can handle gluten but want to forgo it do so because they believe it is healthier.
A gluten-free diet, as per Scientific American, will not yield the desired advantages. In fact, you may be depriving yourself of essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals if you do so
Collagen
According to Healthline, the body produces collagen, which gives structure to your skin and minimizes blood clots. However, since production decreases as people age, consuming more of it as people become older may be beneficial. According to the NY Times, however, there is very little research that backs up collagen’s medical claims.
Meats Made from Plants
Plant-based proteins are becoming much more widely available and popular, which is fantastic news for anyone aiming to consume less meat as well as those worried about the environmental effect of the livestock industry. However, many people believe that eating a plant-based diet makes them healthier, which isn’t necessarily the case.
According to Prevention, plant-based meats are typically laden with carbohydrates, lipids, and salt to make them more delicious. So, although they may be a decent choice occasionally, they should not be a regular component of your diet.
