Misguided Health Trends that Should be Avoided

Misguided Health Trends that Should be Avoided

Health Trends to Avoid

Trend #1: Cooking with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an incredibly popular cooking ingredient in the present day, with the substance advertised to consumers as being a healthier alternative to other cooking oils such as olive or vegetable oil. This is not the case, however, as coconut oil is actually known to clog arteries and, thanks to its high saturated fat, can even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Don’t fall for this fad. Instead, cook using olive oil, which is far friendlier to the heart.

Trend #2: Detoxing your Body

One trend that many people fall for nowadays is the body detox – an erroneous fad and completely unnecessary for those searching for a healthy body. Detoxing is branded as a popular way of dieting/fasting, flushing toxins from your body. The truth is, however, that your body will expel these toxins on their own so there is no need to undergo such a process. Fasting can even decrease your metabolism and cause weight gain. Avoiding junk food and enjoying a balanced diet is far more beneficial.

Trend #3: Eating Lots of Fat-Free Foods

Eliminating all fat isn’t necessarily good. While low-fat foods can be a healthy option, going the fat-free route is a step too far.  Remember – the body actually needs its fair share of “good fats” or “Essential Fatty Acids” (EFA’s) for it to function properly. This includes, but is not limited to, EFA’s for the proper development and functioning of the brain and central nervous system; regulation of blood pressure, liver function, immune and inflammatory responses; formation of healthy cell membranes; proper thyroid and adrenal activity; and support of healthy skin and hair. Such fats are called “Essential” because the body cannot produce them on its own, so they must come from your diet. The two primary EFA’s are Omega 3 (from flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dark green veggies etc) and Omega 6 (from nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and dairy).

To make up for the lack of taste in fat-free foods, other ingredients such as sugar and salt will go into the products, therefore adding calories and defeating the purpose of choosing fat-free foods in the first place. Another unhelpful consequence is that you could be left wanting to eat more than usual. Low-fat and reduced-fat foods are the way to go. That said, whilst pursuing a low-fat / reduced fat dietary practise, please be sure not to miss out on the benefits of consuming enough EFA’s or good fats. To be sure you are getting your daily dose of EFA’s I would strongly recommend the use of EFA supplements such as “Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil” and “Udo’s Choice Oil” (I use the latter on a daily basis).

Trend #4: Going Gluten Free

Let me tell you, the gluten-free diet isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Gluten-free diets are fine for those who can’t eat the protein found in grains, but it is no way to lose weight. Gluten-free diets can even have the opposite effect, as well as causing constipation and nutrient deficiencies. Gluten-free foods have lots of calories and often lack in the nutrients we need to thrive. Instead, opt for naturally gluten-free foods like vegetables as part of a balanced diet.

Healthy Living

I know our audience here is dedicated to living healthier lives, whether that be through nutrition, deep thinking, or enriching the soul, but it’s so important that we do the requisite research, especially when the human body is on the line, before tying ourselves like Odysseus (the eponymous hero of Homer’s Odyssey) to the mast of some new health trend.  Always know that you can rely on me and The Odissean Experience team to keep you up to date with all that you need to know regarding topics such as this and hopefully, we can all push each other forward into a brighter and healthier tomorrow.

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