Fad VS. Fat
Countless fad diets and food trends have worked their way into our everyday lives for quite some time now. Regardless whether or not there is any evidence behind the effectiveness of these trends, they somehow have the ability to continually rise in popularity. Clearly, credibility doesn’t appear to be an issue when it comes to the power that these particular trends have over consumers. It seems as though all it takes is a claim to ‘better your health’ and potentially a follower or two to spread the word, then the trend is well on its way to fame.
Taking a look back in time, the low fat diet was a trend that took the late 80s and early 90s by storm. In a time where social media was unheard of and trends were typically dispersed through traditional forms of media or even word of mouth, the low fat fad diet was a craze difficult to stop. With an original aim to reduce the intake of saturated fats (the bad fats), health professionals failed to communicate that there are in fact different types of fat (saturated, trans, and unsaturated) to consumers, claiming it was ‘too complicated.’ Those following the low fat diet were not only missing out on the valuable unsaturated fats they unknowingly excluded from their diet, they also failed to realise the detrimental effects of the foods they then consumed in the place of fat. Just picture a diet full of sugar, salt and refined carbohydrates. Doesn’t sound too healthy does it?
In more recent years, another fat-related trend has come to light, yet on the other end of the spectrum. Do you remember when everybody went on and on about coconut oil? Maybe they still do. From food bloggers to celebrities and everyone in between, these so-called coconut oil enthusiasts claimed (and still claim) to consume spoonful after spoonful on a daily basis. Miranda Kerr, for example, consumes four tablespoons of coconut oil every day. With many mixed views surrounding coconut oil, as well as no conclusive evidence as to its nutritional value, this is a prime example of how a particular food product can still rise in popularity.
A recent 2016 study, however, determined that coconut oil is not so beneficial after all, as it is made up, primarily, of saturated fats (again, the bad fats). The study also concluded that there is little evidence to support any health-promoting effects and as a result, recommended that coconut oil should not be consumed in high quantities (sorry Miranda). As a nutrition student, with an understanding of the different types of fats, I had a feeling that would be the case. However, the general population (most of which don’t study nutrition or read scientific studies on a regular basis), are known to be heavily influenced by the power of such food trends. In turn, they may have no idea of the underlying effect that such food trends are having on their health.
Never fear, there are a number of fats that are good for you!
These fats, known as unsaturated fats, are those that provide an array of proven health benefits and are an easy addition into your everyday diet. There are two types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Food sources such as olive oil, nuts and avocado contain monounsaturated fats. Where as polyunsaturated fats can be found in oily fish such as salmon, as well as a range of nuts and seeds. Unlike coconut oil, these good fats are supported by extensive scientific evidence, as seen in the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
I think it’s safe to say that all up and coming food trends, whether they sound beneficial or not, should be treated with caution (particularly those that are fat-related). Unfortunately, as research and scientific studies take time and resources to complete, conclusive evidence is difficult to come by in the early stages of emerging trends. Who knows what the next fad diet or food trend will be and whether or not it will actually better our health, so all I can say is good luck, keep your eyes peeled and watch out for the evidence.
Originally published at The Isthmus.
