Health trends that aren't actually good for you - A lot more people are aware of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle these days, but we are constantly being fed new health trends, and it might be hard to distinguish between fab or fad.

So, browse through this gallery to learn which health trends aren't actually that effective!

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Fat-free products - Most people think that a low or fat-free diet is the key to losing weight. In fact, healthy fats (such as those present in nuts and avocado) should constitute 20 to 35% of your daily calorie intake.

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Fat-free products - A diet that is low in fat can cause health problems, including nutrient deficiencies, fatigue and skin problems. Besides, to make up for the fat shortfall in a product, manufacturers tend to add extra sugar and food additives.

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Juice cleanse - Juice cleanses have been incredibly popular in the past couple of years as they promise to help "detoxify" the digestive system and promote a generally enhanced feeling of well-being.

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Juice cleanse - However, the body has its own ways of ridding itself of toxins, and many juice cleanses are found lacking in protein and other essential nutrients. And in any case, detox side effects may include excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, and weak immune function, according to a report published by Harvard Medical School.

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Calorie cutting - Embarking on a weight loss journey usually means counting calories, and reducing calorie intake. But it's a journey that needs to be considered carefully as the body could respond negatively.

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Calorie cutting - Adopting an extreme, low calorie diet can force the body into "starvation mode" and slow down the metabolism. This could lead to symptoms like nutrient deficiencies, binge-eating, mood swings, and increased stress.

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Vitamin and mineral supplements - A lot of people suffering from nutrient deficiencies have to take supplements (most notably, vegans who consume vitamin B12 supplements).

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Vitamin and mineral supplements - However, vitamin and mineral supplements should not be seen as replacing the nutritional value found in foodstuffs. Furthermore, the body struggles to process macro doses of nutrients, which can end up becoming toxic, causing problems like vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision.

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Sweating off in plastic - Quick-fix products are usually advertised as "miraculous," but the cons can be bigger than the pros. An example is the sauna suit, a plastic garment worn over workout gear to make you sweat profusely.

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Sweating off in plastic - The problem is that sauna suits allow you to sweat off copious amounts of fluid—not fat. Excess fluid loss can lead to weakness and dizziness, so ditch the quick fixes and remember to stay hydrated at all times.

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No-carb diet - Carb-free diets are constantly advertised as the best way to lose weight. While getting rid of low-nutrient carbohydrates is always a good idea, reducing carbs period from your diet isn't healthy, nor is it recommended.

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No-carb diet - Refined carbohydrates can easily be replaced with wholegrain, fiber-rich foodstuffs that will keep you satiated for longer and optimize both brain and body functions. Opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, berries, beans, and oatmeal.

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Raw food diet - Diets consisting only of raw ingredients, for example fresh fruit and vegetables, can be extremely healthy. But a diet like this can also lack in important nutrients. And it's worth noting that some nutrients are more easily absorbed when cooked, like the beta-carotene in carrots.

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Raw food diet - Those following a raw food diet end up consuming a lot more fat (from avocado and nuts, for example) but less protein. It's a diet that often lacks in calcium and vitamins B12 and D, which are essential to maintain energy levels and healthy bones.

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Excessive protein - Many people chose to follow a high-protein diet. Protein provides essential amino-acids that are important for bone health and muscle growth. But is there a limit to how much we should consume?

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Excessive protein - Excessive protein intake has been linked to weight gain, dehydration, constipation, brain fog, and cardiovascular problems, according to Popsugar. Therefore, make sure you know what your daily intake of protein should be.

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Gluten-free - Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten-free diets are essential for people who suffer from celiac disease, as gluten triggers an immune reaction in the small intestine.

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Gluten-free - Many people avoid eating certain foods because gluten-free products have been promoted as healthier and more helpful to those on a weight-loss program. The problem is gluten-free foods are often full of processed ingredients, like white rice flour, and lack in certain nutrients and useful gut bacteria.

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CrossFit - CrossFit is one of the most popular workout fads of our generation. While a supervised session can be incredibly beneficial, speed and intensity are usually prioritized over technique.

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CrossFit - Similarly, because CrossFit is a group activity, specific individual needs tend to be neglected, and injury can occur. Furthermore, according to the HuffPost, CrossFit is associated with rhabdomyolysis—a condition derived from the breakdown of muscle cells.

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Natural remedies - We tend to assume that natural and herbal remedies are synonymous with a healthy lifestyle. But that's not always the case.

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Natural remedies - There is little scientific-based evidence to support the effectiveness of herbal remedies. Indeed, some remedies may have harmful side effects. Before opting for a natural remedy, seek the advice of your doctor. 

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Cheat days - Following a healthy balanced diet should allow you to indulge every once in a while. But leading a strict diet and then opting to enjoy a "cheat day" can be detrimental.

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Cheat days - The main issue with cheat days or opting for a large meal is that you end up overindulging, as if to make up for everything you've restricted your body from during the week.

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Sports drinks - Sports drinks like Gatorade help you keep up with a heavy workout plan, but are you aware of the side effects imbibing energy drinks can cause?

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Sports drinks - Apart from the fact that energy and sports drinks are packed with sugar, their consumption is also linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as a Berkeley study showed.

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Detox teas - Drinking detox tea has become a popular fad because of its alleged health benefits, including the promise of a flat belly and a perfectly functioning digestive system.

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Detox teas - However, these teas tend to be very expensive and have been linked to some serious side effects, including conditions like constipation where the laxative ingredient of said teas has has an adverse effect on the digestive system.

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