To say the least, 2017 was an interesting year in the food and health industry. Between activated charcoal, nutritional yeast, and apple cider vinegar shots, it’s clear that people consumed some pretty strange things in 2017. However, there were several trendy health foods that were widely successful, and below are a few that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Here are all the trendy health foods that made it big in 2017.
Kombucha
People couldn’t get enough of this bubbly, probiotic drink in 2017, and it is only gaining popularity. Filled with gut-enhancing bacteria, kombucha is a fermented green tea beverage that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years, originating in Japan and China.
The brewing process of kombucha takes at least a week, and starts by adding bacteria, yeast and natural sugar to green or black tea. A symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, or a SCOBY, grows in the mixture, which can be used to make other batches of kombucha. As fermentation continues, vinegars and other acids are produced, which give the drink its sparkling characteristic. The probiotics that develop during fermentation support gut health by improving digestion and relieving inflammation.
As one of my favorite trendy health foods, my go-to kombuchas are Health-Ade’s Pink Lady Apple and GT’s Bilberry Blessing, which can be found at most health food stores. I like to drink a bottle at the end of the day to aid digestion and support the microbiome in my gut.
Matcha Everything
The finely ground green tea has become an international craze, making its way into big coffee industries like Starbucks. In 2017, you could find matcha-infused lattes, frozen yogurt, pancakes, smoothies, croissants, cupcakes, and everything in between.
‘Matcha’, derived from the words matsu ‘to rub’ and cha ‘tea,’ originated in Japan and was used as an energy-booster by samurai warriors and an alerted meditation-inducer by Buddhist monks. As a green tea, matcha contains phytochemicals, which have been linked to improving overall cognition and mood. It also has a high caffeine content and antioxidant properties.
The trend doesn’t show any sign of fading, so I wonder what else foodies will sneak matcha into in 2018.
Smoothie Bowls
Depending on what you’re in the mood for, blend a combination of fruits, vegetables, nut butter, protein powder, chocolate, oats, yogurt, and/or seeds and top it with whatever you want. There is no right or wrong way to do it.
Besides, drinking smoothies is outdated. Instead, foodies are pouring them into wooden bowls, adding lots of toppings, and snapping artsy photos. If these photos don’t overwhelm your Instagram feed on the daily, are you even a foodie?
Purple Vegetables
Purple produce isn’t only beautiful and delicious, but also has a high antioxidant content. Cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, beets, potatoes, corn, asparagus all come in a shade of purple, and are far more nutrient dense than their typical-colored counterparts.
Turmeric
As the spice that gives curry its renowned yellow color, turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years, both for its flavor and its medicinal properties. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is an antioxidant and is treasured for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been used to combat depression, obesity, general pain, arthritis, diabetes, IBD, and several other ailments.
Foodies in 2017 found many creative ways to incorporate the magic herb into their diets, and was much enjoyed in the form of a latte. The “Golden Latte” is made by combining and heating almond milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, coconut oil, and honey.
Energy Balls
These sweet, no-bake treats have become a favorite on-the-go snack in 2017. Also called energy bites, vegan truffles, or protein balls, energy balls are quick and easy to make by blending a few simple ingredients. Popular primary ingredients include oats, nut butters, sticky sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, dates, and add-ins like chocolate, nuts, chia seeds, and dried fruit.
Although they are fun and inexpensive to make, you can find pre-packaged energy balls at most health or natural food stores.
Bean Pasta
Plant-based protein is making headway in the world of health foods, and pastas made with beans and legumes are an up and coming favorite. According to registered dietitian Linn Steward of Gourmet Metrics, “Legume pastas are healthier than brown rice, corn or blended gluten-free pastas,” as they are higher in protein and fiber.
The gluten-free pastas are made with red and green lentils, black beans, edamame, and garbanzo beans, and when paired with the right sauces and spices can create something similar but unique to common pasta dishes.
Bone Broth
Though it sounds unappetizing, bone broth is made by putting bones (which can be found at your local butcher) in a crockpot with vegetables, herbs, and water and letting it boil on low for one to three days. It serves as a nutritious drink or a flavorful soup base.
Bone broth is rich in collagen, glutamine, proline, calcium, and glycine, which heal the gut, support bone and joint health, boost the immune system, promote better sleep, and improve skin quality. Consider replacing chicken or vegetable broth for bone broth for the incomparable health benefits.
As you dive into 2018, try not to forget about these trendy health food favorites that were successful in 2017.