Of late there has been an abundance of new, smarter and generally healthier foods and drinks appearing in the marketplace. The purpose of this article is to briefly discuss these trends and the benefits that they can have on your general wellbeing. I start with one of my personal favourites Quinoa…
Quinoa – this protein rich delight has been seeing a huge popularity since it first came into prominence in 2010. This doesn’t show any sign of slowing down in 2013 either. In short, Quinoa acts as a gluten-free alternative to pasta. In terms of benefits, I have rarely come across a list quite so expansive. Quinoa is protein rich, contains twice as much fibre as other grains, It contains iron – which keeps our red blood cells healthy and much more…it is certainly worth looking up to see the comprehensive list.
Seaweed foods – now I know many a person whose immediate thought will have been “not a chance”. However, whilst this food was once an acquired taste, it has found its way into the mainstream. How you ask? By placing the ingredient into healthy afternoon snacks, it is a snack that it filled with vitamins (including A and C) as well as a unique but healthy dose of iodine that can counter fatigue and muscle weakness.
Vitamin Infused Water – As part of a healthy diet, it is important to get rid of bad habits as well as adopt new ones – with this in mind it is important to replace your fizzy drinks with something more nutritional. This alternative can come in the form of freshly squeezed juices and nutritional water. Nutritional water has only really come into prominence in the last couple of years – what is beneficial about it is that there are a range of different flavours that encompass a number of different vitamins. This is actually a bit of a controversial entry as whilst it certainly deserves its place in this article as a trend – it cannot be wholeheartedly recommended. Some scientists debate that it still contains a great deal of sugar, instead recommending fruits.
Non-meat based proteins – the price of both chicken and beef is predicted to rise by as much as 5% in 2013, due to a declining supply. Now demand is turning more towards eggs, tofu and beans – the protein that they provide helps us replenish lost blood, helps us develop, helps us heal old scars, grow our hair and nails and much more…
Gluten Free – finally, it is worth mentioning Gluten-free diets, it’s being touted by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham, as well as offered in a great deal more restaurants. A small minority of people have celiac disease so quite why it has grown so popular is beyond me – there have been indications that more people are ‘gluten sensitive’ which causes bloating and cramping, perhaps this can be attributed to its success.
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Author Bio: Ciaran is a health nut, frequent blogger and consultant for orange juicer suppliers Zummo London. He currently resides in beachy Cornwall in the UK, taking the time to surf, eat great food and generally enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Much of his time is consumed by browsing the internet for new information about nutrition and health, which he shares with the world at the earliest opportunity.
Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice
http://foodmatters.tv/health-resources/seaweed-superfoods
http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/05/09/2013/140915/poultry-prices-rise-as-feed-costs-fall.htm
http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=14944
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2224729/Gluten-free-diet-loved-Victoria-Beckham-Gwyneth-Paltrow-Miley-Cyrus-make-fat.html
http://www.treeoflifechiro.ca/why-infused-water-beverages-may-be-damaging-your-health/#.UnOAAfk2J9U
http://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2013/10/08/quin-what-7-recipes-love-quinoa/
