Hibiscus tea to oats: Are these foods really good for your health?

Do you get all your health advice from the internet? Do you follow everything that celebrities and other influential people follow for good health, believing it to be universal and applicable for all? Well, this might not be the best way to get health information. In fact, it might even prove to be dangerous for your well-being.

Actor Nayanthara recently received flak for promoting the consumption of ‘hibiscus tea', listing various health benefits it has.

"It is high in antioxidants and is helpful in diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart related ailments," she wrote on Instagram, citing her nutritionist's advice to include the same in her diet.

Kerala-based hepatologist Cyriac Abby Philips, aka The Liver Doc, expressed criticism stating ‘lack of research' to support any of her health claims about the tea.

While some food and drink items may prove to be helpful for some people in improving health, their effect may not be uniform for everyone, considering factors like age and existing ailments.

Amidst the growing trend of overhyped ‘healthy' foods in the wellness industry, we speak to Vedika Premani, Clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, and Dr Priti Jain Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, to debunk myths about their health benefits.

Hibiscus tea

Herbal teas are all the rage in the wellness industry currently, hibiscus tea being one of the most popular among them. But does it actually have health benefits?
"Researches have shown hibiscus tea can have a calming effect on the body. It is rich in antioxidants and catechins which can be cardioprotective and can help in weight management," states Premani.

However, there is still insufficient data on its health benefits and interaction with pregnancy and present ailments or health conditions. So, one needs to consume it cautiously as advised by their doctor.

Ash gourd juice

Often termed as a ‘health elixir', ash gourd juice is claimed to help in weight loss and skin rejuvenation among other benefits. "Ash gourd juice is a great source of hydration and is very rich in fiber. It is advised for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus because of its very low glycemic index," says Premani.

Oats

Oats have for long been presented as the miraculous solution for a range of health issues. Want to lose weight? Have oats. Want to ease digestion? Have oats. Want to improve gut health? Have oats.

But do they really help?

"They do have gastrointestinal benefits. Oats are high in soluble and insoluble fiber and are known to improve gut health. They can be added to your daily diet if you are looking to strengthen the gut," explains Dr. Jain.

"Steel cut or rolled oats are a great source of soluble fiber and beta-glucans which can help to manage cholesterol levels," says Premani. However, she adds, "Flavoured and ready-to-eat oats tend to be high in sodium and sugars."

Granola bars

Many people consider granola bars to be a healthy snacking option.

"Granola bars are usually very rich in added sugars, hence should be avoided," advises Premani.

"However, if there is no sugar or any added fats, granola can be considered as a healthy snack," she adds.

Chocolate

Chocolate-lovers are always quick to justify their consumption by stating health benefits of chocolate. However, it is not as healthy as one might think.

"It is loaded with sugar and has artificial sweeteners that can cause gut inflammation and stomach pain. It is better to eat chocolate in small quantities," states Dr. Jain.

Premani further explains, "Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa and no added sugars is a healthy snack whereas other milk chocolates might have added sugars and high percentage of palm oil. Therefore, it is important to read nutrition labels."

Brown bread

Brown bread is considered to be a healthy alternative to white bread made of maida and is said to be rich in fiber. However, it isn't as healthy as it is claimed to be.

"It is often believed that brown bread is made of whole wheat, whereas it also has a high percentage of maida which makes it not a very healthy snack," clarifies Premani.

Yogurt

Apart from being the more flavourful counterpart of curd, yogurt is also believed to be good for gut health.

"It is a known fact that yogurt is a probiotic, contains good bacteria, helps maintain a healthy balance of the microbes in your gut and eases digestive problems," says Dr. Jain.

However, flavoured yogurt might not have the same benefits.

"Packaged flavored yogurt is high in sugars and has preservatives," explains Premani.

Reading nutrition labels is key in understanding contents of a product and consequently gauging potential health benefits and risks.

Detox water

Another hyped up wellness trend is infusing water with Vitamin C-rich veggies and fruits like lemon, ginger, mint and cucumber.

"Infused waters are a great way to keep one hydrated, provided there is no added sugar in them," informs Premani.

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"Some believe that starting the day with warm water and lemon can help improve digestion and boost immunity. But higher lemon intake causes heartburn, tooth decay and abdominal distress," concludes Dr. Jain.

In addition to these, Premani lists a few other drinks and snacks that are not as healthy as they are thought to be.

Energy and protein bars

People consider protein and energy bars as a healthy snack, while they often are high in sugars and trans-fat which makes them a sugary energy-dense snack.

Trail mix

Trail mixes are usually considered healthy as they contain nuts and seeds, but many also contain sugary chocolates and fried nuts that are rich in salt.

Store-bought smoothies

While homemade smoothies with whole fruits and vegetables can be healthy, most of the store-bought versions may have added sugars and may be low in fiber.

Packaged fruit juices

They can be believed to be nutritious considering the vitamins and mineral content, but these are very high in sugar and contain no dietary fiber.

While herbal teas, oats, chocolates, yogurt and other mentioned snacks may have some health benefits, believing in their universal impact and ignoring specifications can prove to be detrimental for health.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your nutritionist for personalised guidance.