In an era of constant information, it’s easy to fall prey to sensational health claims promising quick fixes and miraculous results. From powders to diets, the internet is rife with supposed health hacks. But how much truth lies behind these claims? Recently, nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani took to Instagram to share “5 health hacks no dietitian will ever tell you”. “Trust me, they’re game-changing,” she said in the video. To separate fact from fiction, we reached out to an expert.
Claim: “If you want your waist to shrink and just need that flab gone, invest in a quality colostrum powder as soon as you can.”
Fact: Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, does contain various nutrients and antibodies vital for newborns’ health. Tanya Mehra, child nutritionist and yoga trainer told indianexpress.com that these bioactive compounds could potentially aid in weight loss and overall well-being. “By incorporating this supplement into your daily routine, you may experience improvements in body composition and metabolic health over time,” she added. However, Mehra pointed out that more research is needed to validate these claims.
Claim: “Dried sea moss is an ancient way to reverse aging. Make certain that you use a trusted brand as there are lots of scams out there.”
Fact: With its abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, sea moss has been revered for centuries for its rejuvenating properties, said Mehra. However, she cautioned that no natural ingredient can reverse aging.
While it can be a nutritious addition to your diet, solely relying on sea moss for anti-aging purposes is unfounded. “It’s crucial to ensure that you are purchasing authentic sea moss from reputable sources, as the market is rife with counterfeit products,” Mehra recommended.
Claim: “Eating a raw diet will save you from a heart attack by 72% and diabetes by 78%. Make sure it has unprocessed, plant-based foods.”
Fact: Transitioning to a raw diet centered around unprocessed, plant-based foods has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. However, Mehra mentioned that attributing specific percentage reductions to a raw diet is misleading.
“By prioritising whole foods in their natural state, you can nourish your body with an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients essential for optimal health and vitality,” Mehra said.
Claim: “Eat your meals at the exact same time every day. Changing your mealtimes will decrease your metabolism, spike your stress levels by 13%, and make you binge eat.”
Fact: Mehra confirmed that maintaining consistent mealtimes is essential for supporting your body’s natural rhythms and promoting metabolic efficiency. “Research indicates that erratic eating patterns can disrupt hormone levels, elevate stress, and contribute to weight gain over time,” she said.
By establishing regular mealtimes and sticking to them, you can help regulate your appetite, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Claim: “3-5 pieces of dark chocolate each day reduces brain fog, sugar cravings, and mental illness. The caffeine and neurochemicals help regulate mood and depression quickly.”
Incorporating a moderate amount of dark chocolate into your daily diet, according to Mehra, can offer a range of cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits. “Dark chocolate contains compounds, such as caffeine and flavonoids that may support brain function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote feelings of well-being,” she said. However, it’s not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or management of chronic conditions.
