Hot trends in nutrition

THE health and nutrition space is characterised by trends that come and go. It’s always rich with new information that allows us to see facts in a new light, or find new applications for common products. A case in point, the health applications of apple cider vinegar and collagen, two ingredients identified as still trending in 2018 by Jon Clinthorne, PhD and Natural Grocers' Manager of Scientific Affairs and Nutrition Education. Here’s the top 10 nutrition trends he believes will influence the way consumers can and will stay fit and healthy in 2018.

Jon Clinthorne, PhD is Natural Grocers' Manager of Scientific Affairs and Nutrition Education. He has served on medical advisory boards and has authored a number of research papers covering topics such as probiotics, immune function, inflammation and human nutrition.

Collagen. Collagen supplements contain the amino acids proline for joint health and support for smooth and supple skin by strengthening the collagen that keeps skin firm.ⁱ, as well as glycine, which has been shown to modulate inflammation in the digestive tract, participate in detoxification and liver health, as well as support good sleep. ^{ii iiiiv}

Detox diets. Cleansing through fasts and juice diets are likely to be replaced by foods that will aid the body's natural detox processes. Such foods should contain sulfur and other detoxification supportive vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc.

Going organic.  Products from organically grown farms are lower in heavy metals and high in nutrients. With a certification like the USDA Organic label, products are free from chemical dyes, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, and industrial solvents^v.  Organics are also better for the environment, human health and the economy. ^vi

Pasture-raised.  Grass-fed beef and dairy, and pasture-raised eggs and turkey are said to pack in more nutrients. These are products that come from properly managed land and farm animals.

Black seed oil. Research suggests that black seed oil (Nigella sativa, black coriander oil, or black oil) helps in insulin function and keeping the pancreas healthy. Studies also show that by modulating inflammation, thymoquinone (the active component of black seed oil) helps build strong and healthy bones.^{ix x xi}

Ketogenic diets.  A “Keto” diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrate, and thus includes ingredients like coconut oil, palm oil, cheese, and butter. Foods like these contain medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are converted into ketones by the liver. Ketones are a type of fuel whose role is in neuroprotection, and to support brain function and cognition ^xii.

Going on a ketogenic diet? You're free to add cheese, rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in your food list

Botanicals to boost brain function. Botanicals, such as epigallocatechin from green tea for boosting brain function, are gaining more appreciation. There are more formulas built for clarity and mood; some of the best new botanicals for brain health include herbs and mushrooms. The latest research finds ashwaganda, lions mane, reishi, gotu kola, turmeric and holy basil as brain boosters.

Traditional medicine meets modern science. Herbal medicines date back to ancient times, but today’s research is further exploring the effects of essential oils and aromatherapy – derived from valuable plants – on mental health.

Drinking vinegars. Mostly made from apple cider vinegar and other healthy ingredients, drinking vinegars can balance blood sugar. They are latest alternatives to soda and juice. A study published in the Diabetes Care journal demonstrated that consuming vinegar at bedtime can actually support healthy blood sugar levels when you wake up, so this would be a great post-dinner beverage.^xiii Vinegar can also help facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food and gives the feeling of  fullness.^xiv

Sneaking vegetables.  For people who find it difficult to eat their vegetables, the trick is to consume foods with antioxidant-rich vegetables, such as real veggie chips, organic veggie noodles, or add frozen cauliflower or greens powders to smoothies. 

References:

ⁱ Van Vivan JP, Luijsterburg PA, Verhan AP, van Osch GJ, Kloppenburg M, Bierma-Zeinstra SM. Symptomatic and chondroprotective treatment with collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2012; 20(8): 809-821

ⁱⁱ Zhong Z, Wheeler MD, Li X, et al. L-Glycine: a novel anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cytoprotective agent. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2003; 6:229-240

ⁱⁱⁱ Ito K, Ozasa H, Noda Y, et al. Effect of non-essential amino acid glycine administration on the regeneration of partially hepatectomized rats with hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Clin Nutr. 2008;27(5):773-80.

^iv Brooks PL, Peever JH. Glycinergic and GABA(A)-mediated inhibition of somatic motorneurons does not mediate rapid eye movement sleep motor atonia. J Neurosci. 2008;28(14):3535-45.

^v https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic

^vi https://ota.com/sites/default/files/.../OTA-HotSpotsWhitePaper-OnlineVersion.pdf

^vii Chail A, et al. Legume finishing provides beef with positive human dietary fatty acid ratios and consumer preference comparable with grain-finished beef. J Anim Sci. 2016; 94(5):2184-97

^viii Gholamnezhad Z, Havakhah S, Boskabada MH. Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A Review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016; 190:372-86

^ix Shuid AN, et al. Nigella sativa: A Potential Antiosteoporotic Agent. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012():696230.

^x Ibrahim FM, et al. Biochemical characterization, anti-inflammatory properties and ulcerogenic traits of some cold-pressed oils in experimental animals. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):740-748

^xii Sharma A, Bemis M, Desilets AR. Role of Medium Chain Triglycerides (Axona®) in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2014 Aug;29(5):409-14.

^xiii White AM, Johnston CS. Vinegar ingestion at bedtime moderates waking glucose concentrations in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(11):2814-5. Epub 2007.

^xiv Ostman E, Granfeldt Y, Persson L, Bjorck I. Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 Sep;59(9):983-8.