Acai Bowls
What are they?
Acai bowls are a popular breakfast or snack made with acai berries blended into a thick purée then topped with different fruits, granola and nuts. Acai berries come from acai palm trees native to Central and South America and are rich in antioxidants. Over the past few years, acai bowls have become a hugely trendy “superfood” item found on menus at juice bars and cafes.
Are they healthy?
Acai bowls can be a relatively healthy choice, depending on the toppings. The acai purée itself is high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It provides a boost of plant-based nutrients. However, the toppings are where things can get unhealthy quickly. Bowls topped with granola, coconut, banana and other fruits in moderation would be a healthier option versus ones laden with chocolate chips, syrups, nut butters and other dense calorie toppings. Moderation is key to reaping the nutritional benefits without overdoing the calories and sugars.
Are they worth the hype?
While acai bowls can be part of a balanced diet when made mindfully, they may not be as miraculously healthy as some hype would lead you to believe. The antioxidant content is comparable to other berries. As with any “superfood,” moderation is key. Overall, acai bowls can be a tasty nutritious breakfast or snack when enjoyed occasionally and not viewed as a daily ritual or weight loss miracle. Just be mindful of excessively sugary toppings.
Kombucha
What is it?
Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent tea made by combining black or green tea with sugar and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). This mixture is left to ferment for one to four weeks, developing its tangy, vinegary flavor along with purported health benefits. Kombucha has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, found on shelves in many grocery stores.
Are there health benefits?
Proponents claim kombucha supports digestion and gut health due to its probiotic content from the fermentation process. Some studies have also linked drinking kombucha to improved liver function and reduced risk of certain cancers. However, more human-based research is still needed. Kombucha is low in calories but can be high in natural sugar content depending on the brand, so it may not be suitable for strict low-carb or diabetic diets. Moderation is key.
Is the hype real?
Kombucha likely provides some minor health perks due to its probiotic and antioxidant properties. However, the claims of kombucha being a miracle elixir or cure-all are unsubstantiated. For most healthy individuals, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But kombucha should not be seen as a replacement for evidence-based medicinal treatments or vital source of hydration, especially for those with serious health issues. At the end of the day, it’s just fermented tea.
Avocado Toast
What is avocado toast?
Avocado toast has become a staple on cafe menus around the world. It’s simply sliced avocado mashed or spread onto bread, usually toasted, and topped with various seasonings like salt, pepper, red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning. Some versions also include poached eggs, tomatoes or cottage cheese. Avocados are a creamy, plant-based source of healthy fats and nutrients.
Is it nutritious?
Plain avocado toast can be a nutritious breakfast or snack choice. Avocados contain healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. The toast provides additional carbohydrates and fiber. However, heavily topped versions with calorie-dense foods like bacon, cheese or dressing can negate much of the nutritional value. As with any food, moderation and balanced toppings are key to reaping benefits without overdoing calories.
Is the hype warranted?
While avocado toast provides nutrients and can be part of an overall healthy diet, some claims of its miraculous properties are exaggerated. It’s unlikely to be a “superfood” or cure for anything on its own. Overall, avocado toast is simply a tasty way to enjoy avocados and get important plant-based fats and fiber – as long as you don’t overload the toppings. It’s not a health panacea, just a reasonably nutritious breakfast best enjoyed occasionally rather than relied upon daily. Moderation is key.
CBD Oil
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the plant then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD is non-psychoactive and purported to provide relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD products have grown exponentially popular in recent years, despite uncertain regulatory status in some areas.
Does it provide health benefits?
While promising for certain conditions, research on CBD’s full health effects is limited. Studies suggest CBD may help manage pain, reduce anxiety and support skin health. However, the FDA has approved only one CBD-derived drug, emphasizing more research is still needed. CBD products also vary widely in quality and potency which can affect outcomes. CBD may interact with certain medications as well, so check with a doctor first.
Does the hype match reality?
While CBD may prove effective for some targeted uses, claims of it being a cure-all are unlikely to pan out. Taking CBD requires navigating uncertainty around legality, quality/purity and possible drug interactions as well. As a supplement rather than FDA-approved drug, there are few guarantees. CBD’s benefits may be real for certain things, but hype has outpaced scientific evidence to date. Proceed with care and doctor guidance if considering CBD supplements.
Matcha
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely milled powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike steeped green tea, matcha is consumed by drinking the powder suspended in hot water rather than removed after steeping. Matcha contains caffeine but is reputed to provide a calmer energy than coffee due to L-theanine and its production process. It’s commonly used in lattes, shakes and baked goods in recent years.
What are the potential benefits?
Matcha contains antioxidants, L-theanine and caffeine that may support focus, metabolism and skin health. Some research links green tea compounds to fat loss, diabetes and heart disease prevention. The powder form allows for full nutrient absorption. However, matcha’s benefits are minor and health claims are largely overstated. More importantly, quality and ratios vary greatly between matcha powders.
Does matcha live up to the hype?
While matcha green tea may offer some antioxidants and mild focus support, it is not a magical cure-all, weight loss aid or limitless energy source. Drinking it should not replace evidence-based healthy lifestyle habits. Matcha is simply one way to enjoy green tea. At best, high quality matcha in moderation can complement an overall balanced diet and exercise regimen. The miraculous claims used to market matcha tend to surpass actual scientific evidence of its impacts on wellness.
Activated Charcoal
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a black, powdered form of charcoal made through high-temperature processing to increase its absorptive properties. It’s used medicinally to treat poisoning and reduce gas/bloating and has grown popular added to teeth whiteners, deodorants and even foods like smoothies or ice cream. The charcoal is said to draw impurities from the body.
Does it provide benefits?
Activated charcoal can effectively absorb toxins and gases when taken shortly after certain types of ingestions or used topically as directed. However, there is little evidence to back up claims that ingesting charcoal daily leads to significant detoxification or internal cleansing. When taken with medications, supplements or proper nutrition, charcoal may reduce their absorption and defeat the purpose.
Is the hype deserved?
While activated charcoal has valid targeted emergency uses, ingesting it regularly for vague “detox” purposes is unsupported by science and risks nutrient deficiencies. Charcoal may bind to good bacteria and nutrients along with anything undesirable. Using a broad-spectrum charcoal product as a daily diet supplement is an unproven strategy