Experts issue stark warning on 'sardine diet' trend

Experts have warned about the latest diet trend which is circulating online.

Every passing week seemingly brings a new diet aimed at helping people improve their health.

Some might advise to only eat red meat, others to follow a strict regimen of calorie counting in an effort to lose weight.

But the latest trend has seen its adherents turn to one specific foodstuff, and only eat that for certain periods - sometimes months - at a time.

Only eating one thing sounds like it might not be the best thing for your health, and experts have confirmed that this is indeed the case.

So what is this new diet trend?

Sardines contain a lot things which are very good for you (Carlo A/Getty)

It's called the 'sardine diet', and people following it have to live only off sardines, and I mean just sardines - not even with a bit of toast to put them on.

Now, it's worth mentioning that, generally speaking, sardines are a good thing to include in your diet.

Whether grilled, stirred through pasta or wedged into a sandwich, they're high in omega-3, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as being a great source of protein.

But just because something is good to include in a balanced diet, it doesn't mean it will suffice as your sole source of food.

In fact, deciding to only eat sardines for an extended period is likely to do more harm than good.

While sardines do have many nutrients, they also don't have many others which we need to stay healthy, such as fibre, complex carbohydrates, and other vitamins.

But that hasn't stopped some people from trying the diet.

Sardines are excellent grilled, but maybe have some other things to accompany them (Xavier Lorenzo/Getty)

NHS GP Dr Masarat Jilani, who works with bladder care company Jude, warned about the potential side effects of attempting the sardine diet.

“Firstly, they contain zero fibre. Fibre is crucial for gut health and digestion. A diet based solely on sardines could lead to constipation,” she said.

“If they are salted sardines, you will be consuming an excessive amount of sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and put strain on your kidneys,” she adds.

“They also contain heavy metals and mercury - though not in the same amounts as larger fish.

“Sardines are generally low in these contaminants. However, if consumed in large quantities over time, the accumulation of these trace metals could still be a concern, especially as part of a sardine-only diet or fast.”

As is often the case with extreme diets, a balanced diet is a much better option - proteins, carbs, vitamins, fats, lots of veggies - and yes, allowing yourself to have a treat sometimes.

If you are worried about your diet, you should consult a doctor or registered dietician who will be able to help you to improve what you eat in a way that won't compromise your health.