However, a new study shows that women following trendy, fad-like diets that limit certain foods face the risk of not getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Researchers from Stanford University in California found major differences in the amounts of vitamins and minerals consumed by dieters.
"Shifting around the food sources that are good sources of fats versus carbohydrates means more than just changing fat and carbohydrate levels," says chief researcher Christopher Gardner.
Here's the scary part: These deficiencies can boost your risk of several serious health problems, including a lowered blood count, the bone-brittling disease osteoporosis and even neurological damage.
Gardner's team pored over data from 300 overweight or obese women who had been randomly assigned to one of four diets.
"Our bodies work best when vitamin and mineral deficiencies are absent, and healthy food is the best way to get enough of these important nutrients," notes Dr. Michael Dansinger of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
Why should you care about getting the proper amounts and types of vitamins and minerals?
Well, according to WebMd.com, "Each vitamin or mineral regulates a bodily process. For instance, the mineral calcium keeps bones strong and helps to prevent low bone density and fractures.
"Vitamin A is important to keep your skin smooth and healthy. Vitamin C helps protect your body against infection. Vitamin E stimulates the function of T-cells, which are important fighters in your immune system."
The Stanford study found more than 65% of the dieters weren't getting enough vitamin E.
The bottom line: You may need to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. Diet-to-Go recommends two 8-ounce glasses of skim milk or a calcium supplement for users of our Low-Fat Meal Plan.
"When you go on a fad diet and exclude any of the necessary nutrients, you're putting yourself at risk for illness," warns WedbMd.com.
"Getting too little of a specific nutrient may not cause a problem immediately. But if it's depleted for a long period of time, you may suffer health consequences."
Author: John McGran