Hundreds of thousands of popular diet have surfaced nowadays, all formulated to get rid of unnecessary fats or toxins in the human body. However, scientists found out that not all of them are based on rigorous scientific principles. Only diets rich in fruits and vegetables as well as low in treated food are the most effective diets, according to the scientists.
Popular diets are made for different purposes. Some are for gaining weight, losing weight, living a healthy and long life and lowering cholesterol. However are those diet plans and methods really effective?
The experts try to find out, and based on scientific investigations, here are the facts that the science has figured out about the 3 popular diets today.
South Beach Diet
What people know: Designed by Arthur Agatston way back in 2003, this diet is a three-stage program. The first stage, all alcohol, fruits and carbs are cut out. In the second and third stages, few of those cut out foods will be added back to the diet gradually. As a commercial diet, it includes official materials and plan.
What science discovered: Since this diet centers on the whole diet, this is perfect for weight loss. In fact, a research can prove that. However, another research showed that this diet could be followed for short term only. This is perhaps due to the restriction of food intake in the first stage and so few people may have problem adhering to it.
Mediterranean Diet
What people know: This is a high-fiber and plant-based diet that focuses on fish, nuts, and whole grains. Butter, eggs, sweets and red meat are excluded in this diet. Olive oil is the primary fat source of this diet.
What science discovered: This diet had lowered threats of heart illness of men from Italy in the year 1950s, based on a research cited in Business Insider. Since then, many scientists have looked upon and studied this diet. They have figured out that this diet can really help lessen risks of stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
DASH Diet
What people know: The DASH in this diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. As the name implies, this diet is formulated to lower blood pressure. This diet encourages whole grains, fresh produce, and lean protein intake. Sodium intake is also cut out.
What science discovered: This diet is based on sound scientific research as several studies have proved its effectivity. Researchers have discovered that people who follow this eating plan tend to maintain or lose their weight, no more threat of kidney failures and heart illness and lower the level of their blood pressure.
Overall, scientists claimed that the best approach to weight loss is to choose a diet that is plant-based and include unprocessed foods. Now, people know what diet they should follow.
