The year 2020 has changed the way we look at life in general and health and well-being in particular. Change, good and bad, has sparked an interesting array of trends that promise to not only boost your immunity, but also do their part for the environment.
Forget pre and pro-biotics, go for post-biotics
According to Preeti Seth, nutritionist, cosmetologist and founder of Delhi-based Pachouli Wellness Clinic, pre and probiotics are last season. The current buzz is about postbiotics to ensure good gut health. “Prebiotics are food for probiotic bacteria, and both are essential for optimal gut health. We are now learning about postbiotics – the metabolites (or end products) of the fermentation that takes place in the gut by probiotics. Postbiotics are being studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and may also help boost the immune system and improve the gut barrier,” says Seth. So, in which foods can we find postbiotics? Sourdough bread and kimchi. “In 2021 we will also see postbiotics in supplement form and we will likely see them added to food products as well.”
Forget about meats, vegetable proteins are here to stay
“A very interesting global development has been the emergence of plant proteins and plant-based foods. What started as a trend has now become a serious movement,” says Simrun Chopra, a Bengaluru-based certified deep health coach and founder of Nourish with Sim, an online wellness and better health platform that offers personalized solutions. “Getting people to eat more vegetables, whole grains or legumes has always been dietitians’ worst nightmare in meat markets. Now scientists have created a way for us to incorporate plants into our daily diets in a tasty and convenient way. Plant-based products like dried super greens will help increase plant protein intake. “The booming market for plant-based meat substitutes is thriving due to the engineered taste, texture, and appearance that mimics a meat product. However, this is still in its infancy, and time and research will allow us to better understand the long-term impact of these developments,” says Chopra.
Opt for adaptogens
“Adaptogens help an individual to boost their immunity and also work as a prospect for healing. Holy basil, ashwagandha, maca, turmeric and ginger are great sources of adaptogens that can be added to the diet for a healthy and fit body,” says Ludhiana-based dietitian Garima Goyal.
Go for the Candida diet at your own risk
“While fad diets such as lactose-free and calorie-deficit diets have been popular for two years now, one bizarre diet trending this year is the Candida diet,” says Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals Group. Candida is generally a common fungus found in the human body in the mouth, skin, and digestive tract. “In a candida diet, people should avoid foods and beverages that could cause the overgrowth of this fungus. The overgrowth of this fungus is said to create a barrier to weight loss. curb the growth of a fungus in your body for weight loss. The Candida fungus is naturally present in the intestinal tract of the body and helps in healthy digestion of food,” says Rohatgi. “As there is no evidence significance of the suitability of this diet, we do not recommend it.”
Personal health trackers
Technology has entered into all aspects of our lives, especially during lockdown. “Wearable devices and apps that help manage and monitor personal health are a popular trend in 2021,” says Goyal. “With the help of a comprehensive health metric check, it becomes easy to avoid any health emergency and boost mental and emotional well-being.”
Whatever the trend, it is always advisable to seek the advice of your doctor.
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