National Nutrition Week: Top 10 Food and Nutrition Trends

Nutrition is essential for everyone, regardless of age, size, or shape. National Nutrition Week is celebrated every year from September 16-22. This year's theme is "Make Your Plate Delicious and Nutritious" and focuses on making minor changes to our diets that can significantly impact our health.

To help you make your plate more delicious and nutritious this national nutrition week, we've compiled a list of the top ten food and nutrition trends. These trends will make your dish more enjoyable and healthy, from plant-based proteins to ancient grains.

1. The Rise Of Plant-based Proteins

The rise of plant-based proteins is one of the topics of the National Nutrition Week 2022 theme. As awareness about health increases and the environmental consequences of meat consumption grows, more and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins. A popular substitute is a plant-based protein derived from beans, peas, lentils, and soy. 

Plant-based proteins are not only more sustainable than animal-based proteins, but they also have several health benefits. Since they are lower in both saturated fat and calories, they help improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels. In addition, plant-based proteins are often a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This National Nutrition Week 2022, with the growing popularity of plant-based proteins, there's a considerable rise in the number of products that contain them.

2. The Popularity Of Functional Foods

The popularity of functional foods has been on the rise in recent years, as well as during National Nutrition Week 2022. These foods are popularly known for their health benefits, such as helping to improve digestion or reduce inflammation. Some popular functional foods include probiotic yoghurt, kombucha, and bone broth. 

Functional foods are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to improve their health. However, not all functional foods are created equal.

Therefore, this National Nutrition Week, we advise you to research the best functional foods for your needs. 

3. The Need For Transparency In Food Production

Food transparency in production is one important aspect we need to raise this National Nutrition Week to ensure consumers are aware of their food production conditions. In addition, transparency is necessary to build trust between consumers and producers. This way, consumers can make informed choices about the food they purchase.

Producers can achieve transparency in food production in several ways, such as disclosing information about their practices, providing independent certification of food production methods, or making food production information accessible to consumers by labelling or other means.

Requiring food producers to disclose information about their practices would allow consumers to know the conditions under which their food is being produced and make informed choices about the food they purchase. In addition, independent certification of food production methods would provide third-party verification of the conditions under which they prepare the food. 

4. Plant-Based Eating

This National Nutrition Week, let's try understanding the importance of plant-based eating. There are many reasons to switch to a plant-based diet. For one, a plant-based diet lowers the rate of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. [1] Eating more plants can also be good for the environment, as it requires less land and water to produce plants than to raise animals for food. To celebrate National Nutrition Week, you can try cranberry juice. Cranberry juice benefits include reducing the risk of some types of cancer and helping to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), and it may even help improve heart health. [2]

If you're considering switching to a plant-based diet in light of National Nutrition Week 2022, consider a few things. First, you'll need to ensure you're getting enough protein, which is abundant in animal products. However, many plant-based protein sources are available, such as beans, lentils, and tofu. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can get these vitamins and minerals through fruits such as apricots. Apricot health benefits include high levels of potassium, which are essential for healthy blood pressure and heart function.

5. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Make sure to include probiotics and prebiotics during this National Nutrition Week. They are two types of living organisms that have shown positive health benefits. Probiotics are live microorganisms typically found in fermented foods, while prebiotics are non-living substances that serve as food for probiotics. Both probiotics and prebiotics promote gut health, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation.

While probiotics and prebiotics benefit health, they are not the same thing. Probiotics are living organisms that aid in survival, and prebiotics are non-living substances. Probiotics are present in fermented foods, while prebiotics are present in various foods, including onions, garlic, bananas, and oats.

6. Superfoods 

Let's try understanding the latest buzzword— superfood—this National Nutrition Week better. These foods are high in nutrients and are known for their health benefits. Some common superfoods include blueberries, salmon, kale, and quinoa.

While there is no official definition of a superfood, the term is typically used to describe foods with high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are beneficial to health. Adding them to your diet ensures you get all the nutrients you need.

7. Clean Eating 

Clean eating is a term used to describe a way of eating that focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. This type of eating has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are looking to improve their health and well-being during National Nutrition Week.

There are many benefits to clean eating, such as improved digestion, increased energy levels, and weight loss. If you are interested in trying clean eating, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Start by slowly incorporating more whole foods into your diet
• Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid processed foods 
• Listen to your body and ensure you get all the necessary nutrients 

8. Organic and Natural Foods

Organic and natural foods are becoming increasingly popular as people become more health conscious. But what exactly are organic and natural foods? Organic foods are those that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Natural foods, on the other hand, are those that are minimally processed and free of additives. However, many experts believe that organic and natural foods are healthier, as they are free of harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients. 

You can find them at most grocery stores if you want to purchase organic or natural foods this National Nutrition Week 2022. However, you may have to pay a premium price for these items. Several special stores also sell organic and natural foods.

9. Functional Foods 

Functional foods are foods that promote health and wellbeing. They are usually high in nutrients or other health-promoting ingredients, such as probiotics or antioxidants.

Functional foods are becoming increasingly popular as people become more health-conscious. However, there is still some debate about whether these foods are effective. In addition, some critics argue that the health claims surrounding functional foods are not proven.

Whether or not you believe in the power of functional foods, there is no doubt that they are here to stay. More and more innovative and health-promoting foods will start hitting store shelves in the years to come as companies start following the trend. 

10. Gut Health

Gut health is a hot topic these days. And for a good reason - our gut health plays a big role in our overall health and wellbeing. Growing evidence links gut health to everything from anxiety and depression to diabetes and heart disease. [4]

Thankfully, you can do a few simple things to make a big difference. Eating more probiotic-rich foods, reducing stress, and getting more exercise are all great ways to improve your gut health.

National Nutrition Week is a time to reflect on the importance of food and nutrition in our lives. It is also a time to learn about current trends in food and nutrition. This year, a few key trends worth paying attention to are mentioned below:

1. More people are interested in plant-based diets
2. There is a growing interest in locally sourced and organic food
3. People are increasingly interested in food that is good for their health

If you want to know more, reach out to Bajaj Finserv Health to speak with a nutritionist today. Book an online teleconsultation from the convenience of your home to get proper guidance on your journey to a healthy and fit lifestyle.