6 Diets That Harm Our Health

Before completely eliminating the consumption of fats, wheat, salt or carbohydrates from our menu, we must keep in mind the recommendations of nutritionists and dieters that strict diets and restrictions on certain foods and substances are harmful to health. A fact supported by countless studies.

Here are 6 commonly used diets and their potential health pitfalls:

1. A low-fat diet

Reducing fat consumption helps in the weight loss process, but only if the number of calories consumed is limited. Fat reduction is beneficial for people with gallstones, pancreatic diseases and other gastrointestinal disorders responsible for poor fat absorption, leading to pain and diarrhea.

But what are the dangers of these restrictions when they are not imposed ?! If we avoid the consumption of any fats, food diversity is very limited. With such a diet, our body does not receive all the necessary nutrients. Our body needs fats to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K and a number of phytochemicals , plant ingredients that act as antioxidants in the fight against cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that after consuming an oil-free salad of lettuce, spinach, carrots and tomatoes, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene are relatively less absorbed .

Nutrition and dietetics experts warn to be careful with the consumption of biscuits and various desserts, the composition of which excludes fats. Most of them contain more calories than usual.

If we limit fat in order to improve heart health and lower cholesterol, we should reduce the intake of saturated fats. Fats found in fish, nuts, avocados, olives and vegetable oils such as olive oil, as well as rapeseed, sesame and nuts are useful . Of course, without overdoing the quantities.

An easy way to reduce fat and calorie intake is to switch from full-fat animal products, such as cheese and fatty meats, to lower-fat products, such as fish and chicken.

We must not forget that whatever restrictive regimes we take, our body needs each food group.

2. Gluten-free diet

Many experts blame the proteins found in cereals as the cause of diseases, including arthritis, depression and autism . To date, the beneficial effects of gluten- or casein-free diets in people with autism have not been proven.

In fact, a gluten-free diet should only be followed by people who are allergic to it - found in wheat, barley and rye - and who have celiac disease .

Biscuits, muffins and burgers and other gluten-free products are often high in sugar and fat.

People on gluten-free diets often consume white rice or rice foods, such as rice bread and biscuits, but rarely consume whole grains that have more fiber and nutrients.

When following a gluten-restricting diet, at least three servings of whole grains a day, such as brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet, or sorghum , should be eaten.

3. Low-sodium diet

Usually, advice on limiting salt intake is aimed primarily at people with high blood pressure, kidney disease or heart failure.

The recommended daily dose of sodium is 1.5 g. Most people, for example, consume more than the upper limit - over 2.3 g, which is equal to one teaspoon of salt. The permissible salt intake per day is 6 years.

About 80% of salt intake people get through restaurant meals and consumption of ready meals. Therefore, regular home cooking is an opportunity to limit salt from the whole family.

Taking more potassium can counteract the harmful effects of high sodium, which helps lower blood pressure. For this purpose it is necessary to consume several servings a day of foods rich in potassium such as salmon, broccoli, spinach, oranges and tomatoes.