It seems like every day some new food trend pops up, promising to revolutionize our diets. Which are more hype than help? Fitness magazine contributing editor Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D. explains.
Vegetables
Can leafy greens actually increase weight loss by 30 percent in 12 weeks?
Yes. Leafy greens like kale will activate a gut hormone, GLP-1, which makes you feel more full, said Blatner.
Condiments
Vinegar really can make you feel more satisfied after a meal.
“One or two tablespoons of vinegar at your meal will help you feel more full,” Blatner said. “It’s not a myth.”
Breakfast Time
Oats do help lower cholesterol, said Blatner. “Oats contain a special fiber called beta-glucan, which if you eat a cup most days, will help lower your cholesterol by 5 to 10 percent.”
Healthy Oil
Coconut oil is believed to help with fat burning, memory and immunity. Don't believe the hype, Blatner said.
“Research doesn’t necessarily support" the claims, she said.
Healthy Sweeteners
Are honey and maple syrup really good for you?
The idea is that they are natural sweeteners and have more antioxidants, but they're not health foods. "Sugar is not a health food. You’ve got to use it in moderation," said Blatner.
Belly bloat
Which of these —apples, pears, onions, pasta, garlic — cause belly bloat?
All of them!
A lot of people just think that gluten is the only culprit, but it's not. New research shows that there something called FODMAPs, which is a group of carbohydrates in things like apples, garlic, onions, that could cause some people to feel bloated.
Are you on a gluten-free diet? What if gluten isn't the problem?
"They’re all good for you, but for some individuals, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome, these can be bloaty, so just you can eat them but pay attention, not so many,” Blatner said.
Lisa A. Flam is a news and lifestyles reporter in New York. Follow her on Twitter.