14 "Healthy" Food Trends That Aren’t Actually That Good For You

The keto diet may be one of the most popular diets out there right now, but dietitians are begging people to take a step back. Keto is basically a super low-carb diet, which means that it's very restrictive. This can lead to disordered eating and make certain food groups (in this case, carbs) out to be the enemy when, in fact, they are an essential source of energy, according to the NHS.

Additionally, rresearchers have found that the keto diet can have some nasty side effects. According to UChicago Medicine, keto can cause "low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease," as well as something called the "keto flu," which can cause stomach pain and dizziness.

On top of all of that, the restrictive aspect of keto makes it unsustainable and, ultimately, unrealistic.

Acai berries and, as a result, Acai bowls are thought to be A nutrient-dense, brain-boosting, cancer-fighting super food. But according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is very little scientific evidence backing the claims that Acai berries are some kind of miracle fruit.

Additionally, Acai bowls are often loaded with hidden sugars. According to Shape, they can have as much as 50 grams of sugar in them. Acai bowls are a great treat, and, when made with low-sugar ingredients, may be a better option than some other breakfast choices, but these shouldn't be an everyday thing.

If you listen to the hype, you'll find that celery juice is supposed to do absolutely everything: prevent cancer, fight autoimmune diseases, help with gastrointestinal issues like IBS, eliminate acne, boost energy... and so much more.

Although celery juice isn't bad for you (it's literally just juiced celery and some water), the New York Times reports that there is no scientific research to back up the health claims associated with the drink.

Not only can you purchase CBD oils and tinctures, but you can also find seltzers, teas, and snacks infused with the chemical compound that's said to impart a feeling of relaxation.

But the truth is that there is limited scientific evidence backing this up, according to Harvard Health. Additionally, as Harvard Health reports, CBD has been found to cause nausea, fatigue, and irritability. The FDA has only approved the use of it for one specific drug to treat epilepsy, so know that the CBD you're consuming is not FDA approved, either.

For people with celiac disease, eating gluten-free is not a trend — it's a matter of survival. But many who can tolerate gluten but chose to avoid it are making the decision because they think it's healthier.

According to Scientific American, a gluten-free diet won't provide the benefits expected. In fact, doing so could deprive you of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Collagen, which Healthline says provides structure to the skin and prevents blood clots, is produced by the body. But since production slows down as you age, the idea is that taking more of it as you grow older can help. But according to the New York Times, there are few studies that support the health claims behind collagen.

Plant-based meats are becoming more accessible and more popular, which is a great thing for those who are trying to eat less meat and for those who are concerned with the impact the meat industry has on the environment. But many assume that plant-based means healthier, and that's not always true.

According to Prevention, plant-based meats are often loaded with sugars, fats, and sodium to make them more tasty. So although they might be a good option on occasion, they shouldn't be part of your every day diet.

It's impossible to ignore the hype of intermittent fasting, especially when people all over the internet are claiming they lost tons of weight and gained tons of energy after trying it.

According to Harvard Health, there are studies that show that intermittent fasting can be an effective way to lose weight, if it's done in a very specific way. The same site also notes that it may not be more effective than any other diet. Some researchers have also found that intermittent fasting may have negative effects, like impairing the action of insulin which could lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes. On top of that, many feel it can and does encourage disordered eating.

Making your own fresh juice is an excellent way to get in your daily dose of fruits and veggies. But there are also a few problems with it. According to Time, fresh juice is void of beneficial fiber you find in produce. And, as many know, fiber keeps you full.

Plus, very fruity juices are full of cane sugar, which may be more natural, but still isn't something you want to consume in large amounts.

Bulletproof coffee is essentially a mix of black coffee, grass-fed butter or ghee, and an MCT oil called Brain Octane Oil. It's supposed to keep you full longer, as well as give you more energy.

Although this isn't necessarily bad for you, it's not as healthy as many make it out to be. You're adding saturated fat, which isn't exactly ideal. Nutritionists agree that you shouldn't have bulletproof coffee in place of breakfast, and that while having it sometimes is fine, it's not a miracle worker.

Smoothies are often seen as the ultimate health food. But, like juices, they aren't as nutritionally dense as people think. According to Time, smoothies that contain only fruit and a milk base can be packed with sugar and calories.

Agave syrup is a sweetener that is often found in natural grocery stores and is thought to be a better alternative to sugar. While an agave plant does have some benefits, Healthline notes that many of these are taken away during the refining and processing that happens as it breaks down into a syrup.

Granola sounds really healthy because everything in it is usually healthy: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, oats, and dark chocolate. Although all of these things are healthy, they are also calorie-dense, meaning granola is usually super high in calories. According to CNN, granola made with extras, like coconut oil, honey, cane sugar, and maple syrup, can have lots of sugars and even more calories.

Eating granola is probably still better than eating a sugary cereal, but remember to read the label and limit how much of it you have.

Plant-based butter is one of the latest in a whole line of plant-based foods that are marketed to be healthier for you. But just like with the meats, don't be fooled into thinking plant-based butter is better for you just because it says "plant-based." As Men's Health has pointed out, these butters are typically made with lots of oils that make them, well, basically the same as regular old butter. Eat them if you're vegan, of course, but don't be fooled into thinking they're any healthier than regular butter.



Subscribe to Woman's Day today and get 73% off your first 12 issues. And while you’re at it, sign up for our FREE newsletter for even more of the Woman's Day content you want.