Here’s the thing: There’s a huge (and sometimes fatal) flaw in this fascination. Some food and drink trends are awesome. For example, kefir is loaded with more probiotics than yogurt, and coconut water has been said to be a great cure for hangovers.
However, not all food and drink trends boast these benefits. In fact, some are downright dangerous.
Take, for instance, energy drinks. These bad boys are nothing to mess with. Not only are they hard on your heart, but they also could result in a trip to the emergency room.
In other words, there are definite “do’s and don’ts” in the way of trendy foods and drinks. This means you’ve got to do your research. After all, you want to protect your health. And sometimes that means saying NO to the latest trends.
Here is our list of what’s “HOT” and what’s “NOT.”
Smoothies are awesome. And they’re even better in the vegetable form.
"Vegetables are high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. If the vegetables are pureed so that the fiber is still intact, they will help fill you up," Joan Salge Blake, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells USA Today. Blake says these options are a great way to stay hydrated on hot days.
She cautions those with diabetes and kidney issues about indulging in these tasty treats. Be sure that what’s mixed in (like powders) is physician-approved BEFORE you make any smoothie a part of your routine.
Energy drinks seem like a harmless pick-me-up. However, this belief is anything but accurate. In fact, they’re downright concerning.
One of the biggest concerns related to energy drinks is cardiovascular risk. According to Live Science, a recent study concluded that drinking one (yes, just one) 16-ounce energy drink raised both blood pressure and levels of a hormone called norepinephrine (a relative of adrenaline) in study subjects. In addition, energy drinks have been linked to an alarming increase of emergency room visits, and they’ve been associated with heart palpitations.
So skip the energy drinks and reach for your favorite cup of coffee. Just make sure not to pack in the calories by picking a sugar-loaded choice. Stick to plain black coffee with skim milk and a little bit of Splenda.
Kefir is a dairy product that is made by adding grains to cow’s or goat’s milk.
According to Authority Nutrition, the grains in kefir are not the same as traditional grains. Instead, they’re “cultures of yeast and lactic acid bacteria that resemble a cauliflower in appearance.” Oddly enough, these grains are then taken out of the product and are even reusable later.
So why do health enthusiasts love kefir?
The answer is simple. Kefir is loaded with probiotics. In fact, kefir trumps yogurt is this sense. Plus, kefir contains both calcium and vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 has been shown to help the body to metabolize calcium, making it a double bang for the buck. It also balances gut bacteria, which means it’s a win-win food choice for digestive health.
When it comes to smoothies, it's important to keep sugar in mind. Many smoothies can be super healthy. However, smoothies made with orange juice and other sugar-loaded additives can deliver more sugar than experts recommend. So try to make smoothies with low-sugar orange juice if you take the OJ route.
Chia seeds have become a staple among health enthusiasts for more reasons than we can count. In short, they can only be described as amazing.
According to SF Gate, chia seeds are filled with antioxidants. These powerful health warriors neutralize age-promoting free radicals in the body. These hot little numbers contain omega-3 fatty acids and are a front runner for plant-based methods of obtaining these polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3s have become popular due to their role in heart health. They even contain ample amounts of fiber (10 grams for just two tablespoons), which is a key component in digestive health.
Seaweed? With dinner? Heck, yes. That gooey little number that ends up on your feet during a vacay dip in the ocean is one of the best things you can put in your body.
According to the Huffington Post, seaweed makes headlines because it contains something that most foods don’t: iodine, which is essential to thyroid function. Just a gram of brown seaweed can provide somewhere between five and 50 times the amount of iodine needed daily. And seaweed is a natural hormone regulator that's been said to improve PMS symptoms and fertility. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants.
Who would have thought that lovely locks and coconut oil would be a team? According to Organic Facts, coconut oil has been celebrated for its skin and hair care benefits. In addition, it’s great for your waistline. In fact, studies have shown that the short and medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil may promote weight loss. Further, coconut oil is great for the ticker. That’s because it’s filled with lauric acid. This natural wonder has been said to help to prevent cardiovascular problems, plus it won't boost "bad" cholesterol levels.
Coconut water is another great way to reap the benefits of coconut. According to LifeHack.org, coconut water offers a potent benefit: It’s great for hangovers. This is because it’s filled with nutrients and electrolytes that your body needs when it comes to hangover relief. Plus, it contains fiber, making it key to healthy digestion and is even a good source of potassium.