We analyze the foods of the dukan diet

What are Dukan superfoods

Although at Clara we do not believe in "superfoods" but rather that the whole diet is healthy and nutritious, we recognize that some - not all - of the 7 star foods of the Dukan diet can be a plus for your diet. We will tell you if you should incorporate oat bran, flax seeds, defatted cocoa, Goji berries, agar-agar, konjac or rhubarb into your diet.

Oat bran

In the case of the first phases of the Dukan diet - the attack and the cruise -, the fiber provided by oat bran is very important to avoid constipation, which is why the French doctor recommends taking it every day for life .

Clara's opinion. We believe that the fiber should come mainly from vegetables, vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. But we have nothing against giving a "plus" to the diet by adding oat bran. In addition to fiber, it provides vitamins of group B, iron, phosphorus and potassium. And not only is it mildly laxative, but it also helps control cholesterol.

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Defatted cocoa

Dukan recommends defatted cocoa with a maximum of 1% fat and no added sugar. Certainly, it is a way to take advantage of the virtues of cocoa, which are many, since various studies have shown that it is good for controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, taking care of the heart, feeding the good bacteria of the microbiota, etc.

Clara's opinion. Incorporate it into your diet as long as it doesn't force you to resort to sugar or sweeteners to counteract its bitter taste. If not, better have an ounce of chocolate with more than 85% cocoa 3 or 4 times a week.

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Flax seeds

Although Dukan talks about its properties as a protector of the heart, in reality, within his diet, the most important thing is that they help intestinal transit, which can be significantly affected by restricting fruit, vegetables and cereals. That does not mean that they have a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, since they help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.

Clara's opinion. If you want to take them to stimulate intestinal transit, let them soak to release the mucilage that will help you go to the bathroom. If you want to prevent cardiovascular problems, better take them ground.

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Agar-agar seaweed

Agar-agar is a kind of gelatin of plant origin (it is extracted from an alga). It is very satiating, contributes to intestinal transit and some studies say that it helps control cholesterol.

Clara's opinion. It does not seem wrong to incorporate them into the diet, but neither is it necessary. In the Dukan diet it is usually part of dessert recipes that seem unnecessary to us, being able to opt for a fruit or a yogurt.

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Goji Berries

Goji berries

These berries are attributed almost miraculous properties due to their antioxidant content. The French doctor recommends them for their "anti-aging" power and because, according to him, they fight fatigue as they contain iron.

Clara's opinion. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is already rich in antioxidants. The diet does not depend on a food, but on the set of what is eaten. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a "miracle berry". But if you do, nothing will happen to you either. Of course, you should look at its origin, because the OCU reported that there were marks in which the berries had traces of cadmium and pesticides. Choose them organic.

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Konjac spaghetti

Who has not dreamed of eating a good plate of spaghetti and that it does not make us fat one gram? Well, Dukan claims to have squared the circle with the konjac spaghetti. Konjac is a root rich in a fiber called glucomannan that is very satiating and provides only 6 kcal per 100 grams. But … the texture and flavor are far from resembling wheat pasta, so it is not a great dining experience. In addition, nutritionally, it does not contribute much to the diet, only some fiber. And let's not talk about the price, which is 20 times more expensive than normal pasta.

Clara's opinion. It is not necessary to pay what these noodles cost since you can get a good spaghetti dish if you combine whole wheat pasta with others made with zucchini, for example. They will be cheaper, tastier and more nutritious.

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Rhubarb

This vegetable, which looks like celery but has a pink color, is highly recommended in the Dukan diet because it has few calories and instead helps regulate intestinal transit.

Clara's opinion. It is a popular vegetable in France, but not in our country, where it is not easy to find it. We do not see the need to incorporate it into our diet. We have many local and seasonal vegetables that can fulfill the same function.