Food fads come and go all the time, from tofu to gluten-free. These fads are often inspired by the latest health research or culinary infusion and can fluctuate like trends in the fashion industry. Some of these fads aren’t worth investing in, but others are well worth sticking with. Whether they just taste good or are very nutritious, here are some foods that are more than a fad.
1- Gluten-free flours. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For many people, gluten can be an issue. Gluten-free flours were developed for those with gluten intolerance or allergy. As gluten-free options become more popular, there are more and more of these flours available for you to experiment with, whether you can eat gluten or not. These flours are very easy to make part of your diet, as you can use them in baking or thick sauces. If you’re aren’t interested in going gluten-free, but are interested in alternatives to flour, you could try for rice powder for muscle building.
2- Kale. Kale is one of the most nutritionally dense leafy greens and is part of the cabbage family. Kale is a major source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C, and B6, as well as magnesium, calcium, and others. It’s also packed with antioxidants which can protect against heart disease and other health problems. You can use kale in a salad, roast it to make kale chips, or blend it into a smoothie.
3- Quinoa. Quinoa is a seed with a nutty taste and an impressive nutritional profile. A cup of quinoa contains eight grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. You can chuck quinoa into a salad, side dish, or granola bars.
4- Coconut oil. Coconut oil is sometimes overlooked as it is high in fat. However, it is also a medium-chain fatty acid. This means that that the acid is broken down differently to long-chain fatty acids. It’s metabolized as ketones, which is a great source of energy for the brain. You can use coconut oil as a cooking oil, butter replacement, hair mask, skin cream, and even wood polish.
5- Chia seeds. Chia seeds are native to South America and are known as a source of sustainable energy. They’re also high in protein and fiber and protect against heart disease, obesity, and other issues. Add chia seeds to smoothies, desserts, and face masks.
6-Flax seeds. Whether you mix them into a baking recipe or sprinkle them onto greek yogurt, flax seeds are worth eating. The seeds are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and high in Omega-3 fatty acids. This reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
7-Hemp seeds. Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant and are delicious, powerful, and packed with lots of health benefits. Hemp seeds are high in protein, which help you to feel full. They’re also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can eat hemp seeds raw, roast them as a salad ingredient, or use them in baking.
