By: Erin Kelly
Credit: Shutterstock (edited)
If you haven't been bombarded by the media or somebody on Facebook raving about the miraculous, all-healing powers of coconut oil, you've either been living under a rock or you're really, really good at blocking people from college (and your mom) on social media.
But not everyone buys into the idea that coconut oil is a panacea sent straight from the heavens, even those in the health world. So which "superfoods" do nutritionists think get more hype than they deserve?
Credit: Shutterstock (edited)
Sarah-Jane Bedwell, registered dietitian, licensed dietitian/nutritionist, food and nutrition blogger for Self
Coconut oil
Gasp! Bedwell points out that, though it's touted as a "healthy" oil, coconut oil is actually high in saturated fat. While some claim that the fats in coconut oil are medium-chain triglycerides, making the overall product less damaging than other forms of saturated fats, Bedwell says there's no significant research to back up this claim. She recommends using canola oil instead, which is the lowest in saturated fat of all common cooking oils.
David Wiss, registered dietitian at Breathe Life Healing Centers
Egg whites
If you're one of those people who only asks for egg whites in their omelet, maybe it's time you live a little. Yolks used to be removed because of their cholesterol, but that's old science, Wiss promises. Losing the yolk means losing optimum nutritional benefits from eggs. Egg yolks contain all of the fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamins A, D, E, and K) as well as other nutrients, like choline.
Credit: Shutterstock (edited)
Mitzi Dulan, registered dietitian, team nutritionist for the Kansas City Royals, and author of The Pinterest Diet: How to Pin Your Way Thin
Granola
If you've ever wondered just why granola makes your sucky yogurt taste incredible, it's because the seemingly healthy food is actually loaded with calories and fats from added oils (you know -- the ones that make it taste so good!). And we haven't even factored the sugar in yet! Unless you eat a very small amount or make it yourself, granola can be a real damage to your diet.
Frances Largeman-Roth, registered dietitian nutritionist
Kombucha
Largeman-Roth thinks that kombucha is really just a fancily named drink with close to the same digestive benefits as yogurt -- like probiotics for your gut. It doesn't help that it comes with a hefty (and unwarranted) price tag.
Claire Shorenstein, running coach and nutritionist at Find Your Trainer
Veggie burgers
If you're looking to substitute your bacon burger for a veggie option, know this: many commercial veggie burgers are so heavily processed, you're better off reaching for a fresh meat or fish-based burger. Shorenstein recommends reading the ingredients list, and selecting minimally processed burgers, or make your own if you're trying to reduce your meat intake.
More from Thrillist:
Like Thrillist on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Thrillist