Lots of diets and nutrition fads have come and gone over the years. In fact, there are so many that it becomes hard to keep track of what the latest dietary trends are, let alone which ones are worth incorporating into your diet. Fortunately, I’m here with a list of the latest and greatest trends of healthy food ingredients you should know about to help you stock your kitchen. Preparing a healthy meal will get so much easier and quicker. You can reap the benefits they provide, while also enjoying a new taste that will make your meals feel fresh and new again.
Here are the top three new healthy food trends you should know about:
GREEK YOGURT
Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt in order to eliminate excess whey protein. This leaves just creamy goodness. It is a great source of probiotics, a natural aid to digestion, which is essential to overall health. Moreover, it’s high in protein and calcium, which are both important for muscle growth and bone strength. Greek yogurt is an excellent option for those looking to cut out sugary snacks.
Suitable for: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for eggs in your vegan baking project, or due to its creamy consistency, it will make an excellent replacement for mayo and sour cream. You can also blend it with assorted fruits, particularly berries, and make it into smoothies.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are a superfood that has become popular in recent years. They are native to Mexico and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Moreover, chia seeds have been proven to lower bad cholesterol levels. Because of this, chia seeds are extremely beneficial to your health. Chia seeds can be easily added to any meal or even used for smoothies. These seeds expand in water, creating a gel-like consistency that helps keep you full for longer. This is the reason that they are a common component of many popular diets, including the Paleo diet and the “Caveman” diet.
Suitable for: A great way to add chia seeds to your diet is to sprinkle them on your cereal, yogurt or oatmeal in the morning. You can also use it as the main ingredients to make highly-nutritious chia seed pudding.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is a natural liquid that results from the fermentation of apple juice, and it has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for a variety of conditions. The vinegar is made by fermenting apples with yeast and bacteria, which breaks down pectin and other components, resulting in a liquid that is naturally rich in enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins. Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that it can help with digestive and other health issues when taken in certain forms and doses. Most of the health benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar revolve around its ability to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some research has also suggested that apple cider vinegar can help fight infections, weight gain and even cancer. Most practitioners recommend taking one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day.
Suitable for: Recently, it has been gaining more attention as a main ingredient in everything from salad dressings and sauces. It can also be used in combination with other vinegars like balsamic vinegar, to make a tasty vinaigrette for your favorite salad. You can also use it in marinades for meat, chicken and fish.