Here some of the latest diet trends.
Searching for the perfect diet to help you get back in shape? Many of us yo-yo from one weight-loss trend to another in hopes of shedding extra pounds. But our time and effort might be better spent elsewhere. Even if some of these trendy diets do help you lose weight, they may leave you less healthy.
According to studies and health experts, the best advice is to avoid all of them.
The Latest Diet Trends to Avoid
The latest diet trends include the blood type diet, the keto diet, the raw food diet, and the carnivore diet. They are each analyzed here.
The blood type diet
In the 1950s and ’60s, research indicated that those with blood type O had a slightly reduced risk of developing heart disease—one study suggested as much as 11% lower. In the intervening years, other studies have suggested that certain blood types offer a lower risk of diabetes, reduced risk of coronary artery diseases, lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and more.
In light of the research, Peter D’Adamo, ND, proposed that diet should be dictated by blood type. In 1996, D’Adamo published a book arguing that those with blood type A should eat primarily fruits, vegetables, and grains; those with type O should focus their diet around meat, and those with other blood types should adjust their diets with other specifications.
But is there evidence that the blood type diet actually works? According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in December 2020, the answer is no.
There were “no significant differences” in any of the outcomes between individuals of blood type A, individuals of blood type O, and any of the other participants. While, on average, all the participants lost weight, researchers concluded that blood type is not associated with the effects of any kind of specified diet.
The keto diet
You may have heard of the ketogenic diet, which aims to keep the body in a state of ketosis, burning stored fat for fuel rather than glucose from carbohydrates. According to Harvard Health, the diet involves consuming fewer than 20-50 g of carbs per day, instead aiming to get as much as 90% of calories from fats.
It may help you lose weight, but the keto diet brings numerous risks. Those on the keto diet are likely to increase LDL cholesterol levels, which raise the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to deficiencies in various nutrients, including selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and C. Additionally, the diet could lead to liver problems, kidney problems, constipation, and mood swings.
The raw food diet
This diet is relatively simple: You can only eat foods that haven’t been processed or cooked. Roughly 75%-80% of the diet is plant-based, but some raw foodists will consume raw animal products, like unpasteurized milk, raw cheeses, sashimi, and certain raw meats.
Unfortunately, most of those who follow this diet consume half of their recommended daily caloric intake. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of calcium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D.
When it comes to safety, the panel reported that the raw food diet ranks among the most dangerous. This is partially because of the risk of food poisoning, which can stem from consuming certain raw fruits and vegetables, including kidney beans, sprouts, buckwheat, and cassava.
The carnivore diet
According to a medically reviewed article published by Diet Doctor, the carnivore diet is exactly what it sounds like: A plant-free diet that involves eating only animal products.
The diet is almost universally not recommended. In blunt terms, registered dietician Amy Gorin, RDN, told Everyday Health, “This is not a healthy or sustainable diet.”
Gorin cited the diet’s high levels of saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol and increase risks of heart disease, and its lack of fruit and vegetables, which are “known to promote weight loss and help fight disease.”
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