How do you know if these trendy foods are actually healthy for you?

OHMYGOSSIP — Occasionally, you’ll hear someone talking about the next big super food or natural product that is supposed to be beneficial to your health. These foods and products can catch on quickly and become increasingly popular, but how do you know if these trendy foods are actually healthy for you? Here’s a list to help you out.

Coconut Oil
Dr. Daniel Hwang, from the University of California, Davis, says that “there are a lot of claims that coconut oil may have health benefits, but there is no concrete scientific data yet to support this.” According to a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that can increase levels of good HDL and bad LDL in the blood.

Date sugar
Date sugar is becoming a popular alternative sweetener to refined sugar because it’s less processed and is made from dried dates that have been crushed. According to research, date sugar is high in antioxidants, which may help to prevent some types of cell damage.

Agave nectar
Agave nectar is a sweetener that’s made from several species of agave, a plant that is commonly found in Mexico. Agave nectar was thought to be a healthy alternative to refined sugar because of it’s low glycemic index. However, studies show that this is not the case. Additional studies show that agave nectar is low in antioxidants and there are healthier options like date sugar.

Kombucha
Kombucha is a type of fermented black tea that’s made by combining bacteria and yeast. Many people who drink kombucha claim that because it has a high probiotic content, it helps with digestion, energy and focus. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no research to suggest there are health benefits associated with kombucha.

Kale
Kale is a vegetable with green or purple leaves that is extremely nutrient-dense and carries glucosinolates that provide cancer preventive benefits. Research has shown that kale may help protect against cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary and prostate.

Avocados
Kale is a vegetable with green or purple leaves that is extremely nutrient-dense and carries glucosinolates that provide cancer preventive benefits. Research has shown that kale may help protect against cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary and prostate.

Oatmeal
Most people are familiar with oatmeal, whether it be instant oatmeal or steel-cut oats. According to an article published in the National Post, there’s mounting evidence that a bioactive compound called avenanthramide, contained only in oats, may stop fat from forming in arteries, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Consider kicking off your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal.

Chia seeds
Chia seeds come from the salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family that’s native to southern Mexico. There are claims that chia seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer while also helping people lose weight by consuming less food. The research, however, is still inconclusive to see if chia seeds promote weight loss and lower the risks of heart disease.

Goji berries
Goji berries are fruit of the Lycium barbarum, a species of boxthorn related to the potato, tomato, eggplant and tobacco. One piece of research found that subjects drinking goji berry juice for 14 days had higher energy levels, improved athletic performance, quality of sleep and mental sharpness.

Acai berries
Acai berries are fruit of the acai palm, a species of palm tree that is native to South America. Acai berries are widely claimed to have health benefits like helping with erectile dysfunction and lowering risk of cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, acai berries may be a good source of antioxidants, but further research is needed to confirm the acai berry’s health benefits.

Source: Daily Rx

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