A while ago, I had attempted to lay bare some of the gimmicks that some of the oft-touted products in the Health & Beauty segment fall back on; most of them playing downright obviously at our weak and flabby knees. For all my lovely readers who missed that one, you can read it here.
I realize we're slowly inching towards that magical eve of dazzling bodycon dresses, watermelon margheritas, pigs in the sky, and whoopsy-daisies. (Perhaps ones that lead up to the hippy-happy walk of shame the next morning). Naturally, we're feeling a bit more susceptible to test-running some wonder-products all over again (even if it means being taken in by the genies on Telebrands). Sure, the pressure of looking your skinny best with that enviably glossy mane and flawless skin scales a new height towards the end of year. And yay, if that's motivating you to spend an extra 20 minutes in the gym, cut down on processed foods, load up on superfoods, and try some fat-melting, sweat-slicking power yoga, even in a steam room, if you must. But nay, if that's tending you towards popping magic weight-loss pills with processed antioxidant juices and shaking violently for a good half of your day in a massage belt strapped to your waist.
So, based on some good research and personal experiments, here's Round 2 of super-products...busted, especially for all you crash-dieters and Hair-and-Skin Santa seekers:
Take it if you will.
1. Weight-Loss Drinks:
Case Study: Herbalife
Ofcourse, this wonder shake has all the ingredients worthy of a glossy Bollywood movie - it's got all the celebrity endorsements, a fancy-pants 'slim-fast' movie script and that utopian illusion, completely disconnected from reality - the one that makes you feel like you're working your way to losing weight. Instead of a cumbersome 3-course meal, you get to relish a delectable protein shake. (Small Disclaimer: In the bargain, you may end up looking like someone who could gulp down a cow with that wholesome shake....practically all the time.)
But that's not all that's wrong with it.
Herbalife has been rich in controversy right from the beginning. The earlier version of Herbalife, before 2002, contained Ephedrine, a powerful stimulant that can stave off hunger and rapidly burn fat cells at high risks of heart disease and blood pressure problems. The Ephedrine alkaloids used in Herbalife were way beyond the prescribed limit suggested by FDA, hence Herbalife had to discontinue the use of Ephedrine in its supplements.
Does that mean it stands as toxin-free as of today? Not quite. The recent Herbalife shake formulae have abundance of caffeine, Fructose, artificial sweeteners and Soy Protein - allegedly extracted from Genetically Modified Soy (GMO), found in all Herbalife shakes (as well as in packaged tofu). GMO is known to disrupt hormonal balance in women, cause thyroid problems, and also increase risks of cervical cancer and heart disease.
Want to know more about Herbalife? Read it here.
2. The Gluten-Free Way:
"Is this gluten-free?" "How can you wear that lipstick? I mean aside from the fact that it makes you look like a drag queen, it's not gluten-free!" "Drop your cereal bar right now! You imbecile, it's got gluten!"
Gluten-free's all the rage right now, everywhere, from powder rooms to secret snack cabinets. So I had to ask, "What is Gluten anyway?" Gluten's a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, one that gives these grains an elastic texture. The association of gluten with a high-carb diet is the reason why most people are switching to a gluten-free diet. Naturally, when you cut down carbs, you feel healthier. However, there is no scientific evidence that going gluten-free promotes weight loss. Where Gluten's actually harmful is in cases with Gluten intolerance and celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine.
I think it's essentially a good thing if you cut down on carbs by avoiding gluten-containing products such as cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. But what really happens with people who decide to go Gluten-free is that in their attempt to dodge the Gluten-ous bullet, they ingest a whole new gamut of gluten-free processed foods. Eventually, the phrase "gluten-free" ends up as another ruse to draw consumers into eating other versions of processed crap, full of xanthan gum and other food additives.
3. BB Creams and CC Creams
The longer the name, the more promises it can hold. Pore-shutting, skin clearing, UV-punching, cheek sculpting; you name it. But now they are saying no need to wipe off your makeup at night girls! Your chalky makeup meets the plump goodness of your skincare regime to create an SPF, antioxidant and vitamin packed, all-round skin treatment. Hello Blemish Balm and Color Control Creams!
Sure, the new-age Blemish Balm creams are light-wear make-up that give good coverage and are a better bet than pancakey foundations. And the steeply priced BB creams in the market (for example, a Chanel or a Bobbi Brown) do have high SPF, oil-absorbing qualities and anti-aging ingredients; some even have ground pearl and gold to add radiance to your flawless, air-brushed look. A great option for women on the run or us lazy ones, I'd say.
But do I really think that one cream, even though at a price of four, can sculpt away wrinkles, cushion hot UV blows, and firm my skin over time?
The answer's No. The visual effects of these creams vanish once they're off your skin. And the point is these creams will be applied like make-up - you only dab them where you need it, which really means you'll not put a sufficient amount of these creams to be completely covered. Hence, you'll need to layer it with a good sunscreen. Beats the purpose then, doesn't it?
Bottom Line: A sophisticated BB or CC cream may be a good day option when you want a fuss-free, air-brushed look that's meant to last but does it replace your everyday skin-care heroes? Maybe not.
4. Hair-Fall Defending Shampoos and Conditioners:
If you whispered in my ear, ever so coyly, in the middle of the night, "There's an antidote to hair loss found in a rare species of trees, growing up in the Himalayas," I would've immediately layered up, got my hiking shoes on and headed towards the mountains. Needless to say, I've tried almost every over-the-counter product that even remotely suggests reversal of hair loss. I've used countless serums, shampoos, conditioners, vitamins...
And I'm still fighting hair loss. My hair may have looked fuller and felt softer after using one of the expensive, salon-recommended formulae but it didn't really do anything to reduce hair loss. So, as much as I hate saying this, the only piece of wisdom I can give you is that there's no such thing as a hair-loss reversal shampoo and conditioner. There are a multitude of reasons for hair loss, anything from stress to low estrogen to crash diets to genetics and you can never be quite sure what's causing it. If you think your hair is falling out at an alarming rate, see a dermatologist specializing in hair loss.
And personally what's worked for me is switching to a sulphate-free or an organic shampoo and conditioner, as they're less harsh on the scalp. You may even try minoxidil as that is one of the popularly known cures to hair-loss. But be sure to consult a doctor before using it.
5.Weight-Loss Massage Belts:
I'm sure you've seen those ads. Models with toned bodies sporting a massage belt strapped to their waist. Looking happy as hell. Why wouldn't they be? I mean all you have to do is lie on your couch, watch TV, and shake those fat cells off your body. Good vibrations right there. And anyway, it's not like you've worked your way up to gaining weight, why would you want to work all the way down? Plus who has the time to hit the gym these days.
Vibration training using an electronic stimulation device is the real deal, when done using a high-quality equipment with proper supervision and when it's supplemented with exercise. It can really help in maintaining your muscle tone. But strapping a massage belt to your waist through a Game of Thrones marathon and letting the machine do all the work for you will not only fail to deliver results but it can also cause serious injury and health problems, including hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalance.
So before you sign up for any of these fads or gimmicks, make sure you do your research. While money can buy you love, it may not necessarily buy you health and fitness.
Agree or disagree? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
I realize we're slowly inching towards that magical eve of dazzling bodycon dresses, watermelon margheritas, pigs in the sky, and whoopsy-daisies. (Perhaps ones that lead up to the hippy-happy walk of shame the next morning). Naturally, we're feeling a bit more susceptible to test-running some wonder-products all over again (even if it means being taken in by the genies on Telebrands). Sure, the pressure of looking your skinny best with that enviably glossy mane and flawless skin scales a new height towards the end of year. And yay, if that's motivating you to spend an extra 20 minutes in the gym, cut down on processed foods, load up on superfoods, and try some fat-melting, sweat-slicking power yoga, even in a steam room, if you must. But nay, if that's tending you towards popping magic weight-loss pills with processed antioxidant juices and shaking violently for a good half of your day in a massage belt strapped to your waist.
So, based on some good research and personal experiments, here's Round 2 of super-products...busted, especially for all you crash-dieters and Hair-and-Skin Santa seekers:
Take it if you will.
1. Weight-Loss Drinks:
Case Study: Herbalife
But that's not all that's wrong with it.
Herbalife has been rich in controversy right from the beginning. The earlier version of Herbalife, before 2002, contained Ephedrine, a powerful stimulant that can stave off hunger and rapidly burn fat cells at high risks of heart disease and blood pressure problems. The Ephedrine alkaloids used in Herbalife were way beyond the prescribed limit suggested by FDA, hence Herbalife had to discontinue the use of Ephedrine in its supplements.
Does that mean it stands as toxin-free as of today? Not quite. The recent Herbalife shake formulae have abundance of caffeine, Fructose, artificial sweeteners and Soy Protein - allegedly extracted from Genetically Modified Soy (GMO), found in all Herbalife shakes (as well as in packaged tofu). GMO is known to disrupt hormonal balance in women, cause thyroid problems, and also increase risks of cervical cancer and heart disease.
Want to know more about Herbalife? Read it here.
2. The Gluten-Free Way:
Gluten-free's all the rage right now, everywhere, from powder rooms to secret snack cabinets. So I had to ask, "What is Gluten anyway?" Gluten's a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, one that gives these grains an elastic texture. The association of gluten with a high-carb diet is the reason why most people are switching to a gluten-free diet. Naturally, when you cut down carbs, you feel healthier. However, there is no scientific evidence that going gluten-free promotes weight loss. Where Gluten's actually harmful is in cases with Gluten intolerance and celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine.
I think it's essentially a good thing if you cut down on carbs by avoiding gluten-containing products such as cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. But what really happens with people who decide to go Gluten-free is that in their attempt to dodge the Gluten-ous bullet, they ingest a whole new gamut of gluten-free processed foods. Eventually, the phrase "gluten-free" ends up as another ruse to draw consumers into eating other versions of processed crap, full of xanthan gum and other food additives.
3. BB Creams and CC Creams
Sure, the new-age Blemish Balm creams are light-wear make-up that give good coverage and are a better bet than pancakey foundations. And the steeply priced BB creams in the market (for example, a Chanel or a Bobbi Brown) do have high SPF, oil-absorbing qualities and anti-aging ingredients; some even have ground pearl and gold to add radiance to your flawless, air-brushed look. A great option for women on the run or us lazy ones, I'd say.
But do I really think that one cream, even though at a price of four, can sculpt away wrinkles, cushion hot UV blows, and firm my skin over time?
The answer's No. The visual effects of these creams vanish once they're off your skin. And the point is these creams will be applied like make-up - you only dab them where you need it, which really means you'll not put a sufficient amount of these creams to be completely covered. Hence, you'll need to layer it with a good sunscreen. Beats the purpose then, doesn't it?
Bottom Line: A sophisticated BB or CC cream may be a good day option when you want a fuss-free, air-brushed look that's meant to last but does it replace your everyday skin-care heroes? Maybe not.
4. Hair-Fall Defending Shampoos and Conditioners:
And I'm still fighting hair loss. My hair may have looked fuller and felt softer after using one of the expensive, salon-recommended formulae but it didn't really do anything to reduce hair loss. So, as much as I hate saying this, the only piece of wisdom I can give you is that there's no such thing as a hair-loss reversal shampoo and conditioner. There are a multitude of reasons for hair loss, anything from stress to low estrogen to crash diets to genetics and you can never be quite sure what's causing it. If you think your hair is falling out at an alarming rate, see a dermatologist specializing in hair loss.
And personally what's worked for me is switching to a sulphate-free or an organic shampoo and conditioner, as they're less harsh on the scalp. You may even try minoxidil as that is one of the popularly known cures to hair-loss. But be sure to consult a doctor before using it.
5.Weight-Loss Massage Belts:
I'm sure you've seen those ads. Models with toned bodies sporting a massage belt strapped to their waist. Looking happy as hell. Why wouldn't they be? I mean all you have to do is lie on your couch, watch TV, and shake those fat cells off your body. Good vibrations right there. And anyway, it's not like you've worked your way up to gaining weight, why would you want to work all the way down? Plus who has the time to hit the gym these days.
So before you sign up for any of these fads or gimmicks, make sure you do your research. While money can buy you love, it may not necessarily buy you health and fitness.
Agree or disagree? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
Agree!
ReplyDelete:-). A lot of research went into this one...
ReplyDeleteJust read this one and was left wondering why you didnt share it before! This is good stuff Shalini. Please keep sharing. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I wrote this a while back. Considering the huge number of Herbalife fan-following, I thought somebody just had to put it out there :).
Delete