1. Simple & "clean" foods:
With all the hype surrounding Celiac Disease (a digestive disorder caused by the consumption of gluten), different types of food allergies, and foodborne illnesses like E.coli, it's no surprise that consumers are attracted to products that are supposedly "stripped down" to simple ingredients. However, these products seem a bit contradictory to me. For example, "Pillsbury Simply...Cookies" isn't a product that you should be rushing to buy. It may be free of hydrogenated oils, but does soy lecithin and sodium aluminum phosphate sound clean to you? In other words, just because a product has fewer ingredients, doesn't mean it's healthy. The only way to ensure "clean eating" is to stay away from processed and packaged foods!
2. Immunity foods:
Just as the number of antibacterial lotions and wipes are popping up everywhere, so are the foods promising to ward off infections and keep your immune system healthy. Even my 4-year old nephew fears the imminent "N-one-N-one" virus, and the food marketing companies are jumping on board. According to Mintel (a global supplier of consumer, media, and market research), the number of foods and beverages claiming to strengthen the immune system has tripled since last year. Most of these foods are enhanced with probiotics and added vitamin C (along with other antioxidants). While research has proven that certain vitamins and nutrients can enhance our immunity -- once these nutrients are taken out of their natural context, no one knows if they function in the same way. Your best bet for staying healthy is to load up on fruits and veggies, plain yogurt, water, and tea -- and get your rest.
3. Stress-relieving & relaxation foods:
Perhaps the unsteady condition of our economy has left you stressed and sleepless. Rest assured that you'll find more and more products claiming to calm and "de-energize" you. Nearly 30 foods and beverages were launched last year as relaxation and natural sleep remedies, according to Mintel's new product database, including "VIB" and "iChill." VIB ("vacation in a bottle") is a "happy relaxation drink" that's also low in calories and sodium and caffeine-free. I'm not sure how a (alcohol-free) beverage will help me to "kick back," "chill," and "be happy," as the advertisement indicates -- but I probably won't spend the money to find out. The makers of iChill relaxation shots say, "The world is intense enough, why add to it?" They claim that the natural ingredients including melatonin, valerian root, rose hips, and B vitamins are proven to ease tension, curb stress, and elevate your mood. Though these new products are healthier than sugar-laden and caffeine-packed energy drinks, I'm still cynical. What works for me is a nightly dose of hot tea!
Healthy eating,
Sandy Sfikas, RD, LDN
"health food" trends so that you're in-the-know come 2010!