Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Quick Take
A social media post showcases a recipe of avocado, banana, carrot, cucumber smoothie as a part of a weight loss smoothie. Upon fact-checking, it has been determined that the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
A facebook video by the account name sizzums closet has uploaded a video where avocado, banana, cucumber and carrot are blended as smoothie for a weight loss solution. The video has garnered 560 likes and 469 shares. Here is the screenshot:
Fact Check
What is a smoothie diet?
A smoothie diet revolves around the consumption of blended mixtures of fruits and vegetables. These smoothies are created by combining whole fruits and vegetables, ensuring that their nutritional value remains intact. Since fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients crucial for a healthy diet, incorporating them into one’s daily meals is important. Unfortunately, many individuals do not consume an adequate amount of these food groups. To address this gap and promote higher fruit and vegetable intake, beverages like smoothies have gained popularity.
Do smoothie diets help in weight loss?
When it comes to losing weight, many folks turn to smoothies , hoping for a quick fix. But the truth is, there’s no clear-cut answer. In 2022, Tufts University Health and Nutrition warned that those juice cleanses you see advertised as a way to detox and shed pounds might not be as effective as they claim. In fact, there’s not a lot of solid scientific evidence to back them up. What’s worse, juice cleanses can leave you feeling tired, lacking essential nutrients, and loaded with sugar, which can actually make you gain weight and lead to other health problems.
Similarly, a review from 2014 found that just adding more fruits and veggies, often done through smoothies and juices, doesn’t have a big impact on weight loss. It suggested that if you want to lose weight for good, you need to make a combination of changes in your diet and get more active. So, before you jump into a juice cleanse or smoothie diet, it’s a good idea to think it through carefully. There’s no magic trick for losing weight without some effort.
Does the combination of avocado cucumber, banana carrot help in weight loss?
The combination of avocado, cucumber, banana, and carrot can be a healthy addition to your diet, but it won’t guarantee weight loss on its own. While these ingredients are nutritious and low in calories, weight loss depends on various factors such as your overall diet, calorie intake, physical activity, and metabolism.
Avocado is a good source of healthy fats and fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Cucumber and carrot are low-calorie vegetables that provide essential nutrients and fibre. Bananas add natural sweetness and additional nutrients.
But the video didn’t provide specific guidance on portion sizes, meal timing, or whether this smoothie should be consumed alongside other meals or as a meal replacement. It’s important to clarify these aspects to use this smoothie effectively as a part of your diet.
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director at the Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), emphasises that, “According to Ayurvedic principles, addressing obesity is a complex challenge, and there are no quick-fix solutions. Ayurveda views obesity as a condition that is difficult to completely cure, highlighting the significance of stress management, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary changes as the primary approaches to managing it. Medications, whether taken internally or applied externally, play a supportive role, with the key emphasis placed on adhering to a comprehensive treatment plan for better outcomes. Managing obesity effectively in Ayurveda necessitates a personalized and tailored treatment strategy.”
Dt. Priyanka recommends that achieving successful weight loss requires a holistic strategy. This approach involves identifying the fundamental reasons for weight gain, which can encompass factors like inflammation, leaky gut, hormonal imbalances, toxin exposure, slow metabolism, or the use of specific medications. Once the underlying cause is pinpointed, suitable adjustments in diet and lifestyle can be implemented to facilitate effective weight loss.
Pariksha Rao, a nutritionist, emphasizes that achieving lasting and healthy weight loss necessitates a multifaceted approach. This approach includes a reduced-calorie diet, consistent physical activity, and the adoption of a disciplined lifestyle and behavioral changes. Rao also acknowledges the potential benefits of additional weight loss aids like pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Notably, Rao underscores that any weight loss plan, when complemented with regular physical activity, plays a crucial role in preventing weight regain.
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