Should you follow every food trend that TikTok recommends? The answer is, NO! And we are here to tell you why.
The way people used to learn new recipes has changed exceptionally in the past two decades. Earlier, people would follow their favourite cookery show on TV or explore cookbooks to hone their culinary skills or try a new cuisine. However, all the innovative food trends are now born on TikTok. While it is true that the social media platform has introduced us to new techniques, flavour combos, and ingredients—which in turn—have revolutionised cooking.
Many new food trends have been making rounds on your For You Page for quite some time now. Some are inventive, while others are dangerous and shouldn't have gained popularity in the first place. It is critical to note that all the food trends that TikTokers try to promote are not safe—regardless of how many people are following them. Check out the six most popular food trends on TikTok that experts have labelled as hazardous to health.
TikTok videos of creators squeezing a lemon in their coffee has been touted as an effective aid that promotes weight loss. While some studies have revealed that caffeine can help in burning calories and lemon has multiple nutritional values—the unusual combination is not scientifically supported to have any proven benefits. In fact, the acidity from lemon can cause acid reflux, heartburn, tooth enamel loss, and an awful-tasting beverage.
This food trend boasts many unproven health claims—from treating acne to boosting energy and purification of blood. Even though all of the claims are unsubstantiated and will not promote better health, drinking chlorophyll water is safe.
It can be a brilliant way of supplementing nutrients that are commonly found in dark green veggies like broccoli, kale, and spinach.
As suggested by TikTokers, the viral “internal shower” drink is a popular way to detoxify by drinking extensive amounts of chia seeds infused in lemon water. This food trend is not only unreasonable but also dangerous for health.
Our bodies are naturally equipped to detoxify, and consumption of dietary fibres in utmost amounts can exert undue pressure on the kidneys, digestive system and liver. If you want to surge your fibre intake, have whole foods like veggies and fruits because they are rich in fibre— rather than guzzling a wacky gelatinous substance.
Another ridiculous trend—dry scooping—it advises people to ingest pre-workout supplements without water. As you may be aware, the goodness of pre-workout supplements is already debatable, even if you are consuming them the right way. But gulping it down without water heightens the hazard of choking. It also increases the chance of caffeine overdose, which might result in heart palpitations, vomiting, GI tract upset, and anxiety.
WaterTok videos typically feature people filling up large water tumblers with water and lots of ice and producing an elixir by adding several water flavourings—in pursuit of increasing water consumption throughout the day.
While this viral trend may seem innocent, WaterTon has many downsides. According to experts, these added flavourings will adversely impact people's health. All the additives and sugars will eventually decay your tooth enamel because these flavour enhancers are extremely acidic, even those marketed as ‘sugar-free’ or ‘diet.'
Girl Dinner refers to a plate of grown-up lunchables or small bites, that are consumed as a full meal. Common ‘Girl Dinner’ items may include some grapes, olives, leftover pasta, a hunk of chocolate or cheese, and bread. Some are even having hummus with crackers or a bowl of cereal and calling it ‘Girl Dinner.’
While this no-effort meal is seemingly harmless, some health experts suggest that this glorification of small meals could eventually lead to disordered eating.
Your focus should be on enjoying a well-balanced and nutrient-dense meal. Not consuming adequate calories may eventually result in weight loss, and undereating during mealtime can also cause decreased satiety.
Don't just hop on every viral trend without evaluating the pros and cons and say, “TikTok made me do it.” Be mindful of what you are integrating into your diet.
