LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers
talked to a panel of the company's category managers, nutrition
experts, and editorial staff to find out what trends to expect in
nutrition and health for the upcoming year. Here are their
predictions for the top 10 nutrition trends for 2017.
- Eating Healthy Also Means Eating Ethically
Whether it is ethical eggs or humane animal husbandry, consumer
interest in how their food is produced is at an all-time high. This
is perhaps most evident by the passage of legislature in
New Hampshire that bans the use of
inhumane animal confinement methods. Even more telling, 78% of
voters supported this law!
- The Popularity of Organics Continues to Grow and Grow… and
Grow
As more people, especially millennials, realize how pesticides and
nutrition impact their health, they are demanding food that is
healthier and more nutritious. This has translated into a robust
organic industry that has experienced double-digit annual
growth.
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a grocery store
sells organic, that does not mean it is committed to protecting the
environment and promoting health. Look for stores that only sell
organic produce, as this will reduce the risk of
cross-contamination and ensure that farmers who do things the right
way are being supported.
- Mocktails are Booze-Free but Will Still Make You Smile
These non-alcoholic beverages are thoughtfully constructed,
eye-catching, and delicious. Recipes for how to make your own
mocktails are popping up all over, but we like these recipes
created by Karen Falbo, Natural
Foods Chef and Director of Nutrition Education at Natural
Grocers.
- The Spice Turmeric is HOT
Turmeric, one of the most heavily researched supplement and
dietary ingredient, is showing up all over. It's in juices and
tonics, used to color macaroni, and driving herbal supplement
sales.
This powerful free radical scavenger supports a healthy
inflammatory response and cognitive function—two highly important
aspects of health for the American population.
- Noodles Have Been Replaced by Zoodles
Nutrient-dense vegetable noodles, such as zucchini noodles
(zoodles), or sweet potato noodles, can be made with a spiralizer
and used to replace high-carbohydrate, nutrient poor processed
grains in all your favorite dishes. Expand your horizons and add
jicama, beets, daikon, and more to your diet, all in the form of
noodles, in your favorite dishes. From Pad Thai to spaghetti and
meatballs, these dishes are versatile and delicious.
The New York Times bestseller
Inspiralized, by Ali
Maffucci, has all the details.
- Minimize Food Waste
Almost half of the food in America is wasted, but it
doesn't have to be that way. Save your chicken carcass and make a
soup, roast your carrots with a little balsamic vinegar, and use
the tops in your salad. With a bit of planning you can make sure to
use up all of the ingredients that you buy.
Not only can reducing your food waste save the environment, it can
save you money, too.
- Grassfed… Everything
While organic milk and milk from cows not given recombinant
bovine growth hormone (rBGH) have been popular for some time,
quality grassfed dairy takes it a step further. When cows or goats
only eat grasses and other forages, as nature intended, it
translates into healthier milk from healthier cows -- so what's not
to love? And it's not just dairy; grassfed meat and even dietary
supplements like whey protein are now being sourced from grassfed
cattle.
Let them graze! And join the graze craze.
- Snack Attack Is Back
Snacking—especially for millennials, has become the perfect
opportunity to eat healthy. This is especially important when you
consider a recent demographic trend report in which 62% of
millennials reported snacking throughout the day.
More and more of these snacks are low in sugar, non-GMO and/or
gluten-free: meat bars, hummus, vegetable dips, and sardines will
define this trend. Great savory snack ideas can be found here.
- Fat Phobia is Ending
With recent scientific literature showing no clear
association between saturated fat and the risk of heart disease,
and a society more open to embracing healthy fats, fat phobia is
coming to an end. Fats from coconuts, olives, and avocados are
appearing in a variety of products and full-fat dairy is also
making a comeback.
This is a positive trend as fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins E
and A are frequently missing from Americans' diets.
- Easy Ways to Supplement the Diet.
Most Americans will admit — their diets aren't perfect.
That's where dietary supplements can help fill in the gap. However,
while everyone wants to have a nutrient-rich diet, not everyone is
ready to embrace taking pills. That's where all the new and often
less intimidating forms of dietary supplements come into play.
Tasty fish oil liquid swirls, multivitamin gummies, superfood-rich
smoothie mixes, and collagen powders are all easy ways to
supplement the diet, providing a nutrient-dense boost to your daily
routine.
This list can also be found at:
https://www.naturalgrocers.com/ten-top-nutrition-trends-for-2017/
Meet the author, Jonathan
Clinthorne, PhD., Manager of Scientific Affairs and
Nutrition Education
Jonathan F. Clinthorne, PhD., is
an ultra-endurance athlete trained in immunology and expert in
human nutrition. Clinthorne has served on numerous medical advisory
boards and has authored a number of research papers covering topics
such as probiotics, immune function, inflammation and human
nutrition.
As seen in: FOX, Forbes, Ultra Running Magazine, Runner's
World
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC;
NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of
organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements.
The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format,
affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education
programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition
choices. Founded in Colorado in
1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,000 employees and operates
131 stores in 19 states.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-releases-top-10-nutrition-trends-for-2017-300384969.html
SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.