The Claims and Science Behind Fad Diets
11:50 AM
Green Smoothies The trend explained: These super-concentrated blends of green
Expert opinion: “The phytonutrients in green smoothies may help lower inflammation in your body, which could help reduce your risk of many diseases, from heart disease to cancer,” said Liz Applegate, the director of sports nutrition at the University of California, Davis.
There’s no hard evidence that they increase energy. But adding a bit of protein and fat to your green smoothie—a tablespoon of walnuts or ground flaxseed, say—can help stabilize blood sugar, keeping you off the energy-spike-then-crash roller coaster.
The bottom line: If green smoothies help you up your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, go for it. Just keep in mind that they’re not meant to be a meal replacement, Applegate said, since they lack substantial calories.
Gluten-Free The trend explained: The label is popping up on everything from pancake mix to bottled water (really!). According to research from the University of Maryland, about 18 million people in the United States have a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats, which can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, fatigue, and weight gain. (This is not the same thing as celiac disease. People with celiac cannot process gluten at all and suffer a severe autoimmune response when they ingest it.)
Expert opinion: The only way to know if you have a sensitivity is to “eliminate foods that contain gluten for a few weeks and see how you feel,” said Kris Clark, a registered dietitian and the director of sports nutrition at Penn State University, in University Park, Pa. “If you notice a reduction in bloating or constipation, you may, in fact, have a gluten sensitivity.”
Forgoing gluten may help you lose weight, but that’s probably because you’ll have to give up calorie-dense grains, which are easy to overeat.
The bottom line: No one, except those diagnosed with celiac disease, needs to totally eliminate gluten. But if you have a confirmed sensitivity or suspect that you might feel better on a gluten-free regimen, it’s perfectly healthy to do without it. You can still maintain a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and starchy foods that don’t contain gluten, such as all types of rice, quinoa, corn, and potatoes.
Coconut Water The trend explained: This slightly sweet, milky beverage is getting to be as ubiquitous as flavored waters. Brands like Zico, Vita Coco, and O.N.E. contain loads of potassium and electrolytes, and devotees swear that the liquid helps them rehydrate better than straight water does.
Expert opinion: “Coconut water is water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes being marketed as the all-natural sports drink,” said Mike Roussell, a nutritionist in State College, Pennsylvania, and the author of, "The Six Pillars of Nutrition."
There is some evidence to support the hydration hype: Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science showed that coconut water was effective at rehydrating subjects after exercise. The same study also showed that coconut water was just as thirst-quenching as a commercial sports drink but inflicted less nausea and stomach upset, and that subjects could drink more of it than they could a sports drink or even plain water.
The bottom line: “Coconut water is good for replenishing electrolytes when you’re exercising on a really hot day or if you’re experiencing fluid loss due to diarrhea or other digestive issues,” said celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin.
And if you find it tastier than plain water, drink up—but remember that, unlike the plain stuff, coconut water can have about 5 calories per ounce.
For more information about fad diets, view the whole article here: Should you try these fad diets?
Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens. For more information visit www.bestteendiets.org
1 comments
3 Studies REVEAL Why Coconut Oil Kills Waist Fat.
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of this is that you actually burn fat by eating coconut fats (including coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).
These 3 studies from major medical magazines are sure to turn the conventional nutrition world around!