HOT NUTRITION TRENDS FOR 2018

Atop Federal Hill, Baltimore MD. Taken by PKSenagore January 26, 2018. All rights reserved.

Kristina LaRue RD, CSSD, LDN provides a rundown on “8 Trends to Know About in 2018” in an article for the MyFitnessPal.com blog. The experts referenced in LaRue’s piece provide some cautionary comments.
 
1. Activated charcoal: jet black ganules; can interfere with food and medication absorption. 
Earned Runs: an article in SHAPE.com discusses at length toothpaste made with this material;  it can be too abrasive, not include or deactivate fluoride, and is not best for whitening.
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/does-activated-charcoal-toothpaste-really-whiten-teeth
 
2. Matcha: anti-oxidant laden, powdered green tea with good amount of caffeine. 
Earned Runs: Cautions include possibility of ingesting too much lead over time, as actual leaves are in drinks or foods.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/05/what-is-matcha_n_6988710.html
 
3. Kombucha: fermented sweetened bubbly tea that contains some alcohol; reason some may wish to avoid.
Earned Runs: Making kombucha involves use of bacteria, usually of the type considered to be probiotic, “but if not prepared properly, the drink can grow harmful bacteria or mold”. There’s also a caution that it is high in sugar and caffeine
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20160125/kombucha-tea-is-it-safe
 
4. Tumeric teas and lattes: spice obtained from a root; bright yellow powder is major component of curry; contains curcumin, the ingredient that has reported health benefits.
Earned Runs: as with any supplement it can interact with some medications. Reported side effects include gallbladder contractions, nausea and diarrhea.  Curcumin in it isn’t well absorbed; taking it with a component of black pepper (piperine) or fat/oil improves absorption.
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20171213/is-spice-rack-staple-turmeric-a-health-star?
 
5. Collagen: colorless, odorless protein powder derived from animals or fish. 
Earned Runs: has been considered low quality/incomplete protein; doesn’t contain all essential amino acids.  Some studies show health benefits {the few studies I reviewed compared collagen supplementation with no protein supplementation, not with other protein sources. Not sure benefits are specific to collagen or any protein).  Caution: allergic reactions, high calcium intake.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gelatin-benefits https://www.livestrong.com/article/325664-side-effects-of-taking-collagen-supplements/
 
6. Plant based dairy alternatives; Plant based milks contain sugars; care must be taken.
Earned Runs: all milks are not equal to cow’s milk or each other in nutrients, and all will require sugar for sweetening. Calcium is most important component which may be deficient
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nutritional-value-of-plant-based-milk-alternatives-soya-hemp-oat-almond-coconut_uk_58ee2724e4b0ca64d91ad750
 
7. Moringa: anti-oxidant- and iron-rich ‘super powder’ taken as a tea or used as powder.
Earned Runs: leaves are safe but seeds, stems, and root are toxic to humans. Caution is urged.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/10/08/moringa-benefits_n_8263868.html
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1242-moringa.aspx?activeingredientid=1242
 
 
8. Mindfulness: mind body focus when it comes to eating.
Earned Runs: think before you just eat; there are many experts and centers that offer advice to avoid binges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/dining/mindful-eating-as-food-for-thought.html
 
Summary
Other than mindful eating trend, the other 7 trends involve ingestion of specific foods. The promised health benefits of each have not been supported by medical research. This fact does not indicate those benefits don’t exist. However, it just reminds us that moderation is the best approach to intake. 
 
If a small amount of a food is good, more is not necessarily better, and potentially may be harmful.  The substance itself may be safe but accompanying ingredients, methods of processing, or food / drug interactions, may cause concerns.  Substitution with other essential foods may present a problem as well. 
 
However, it’s exciting to know that new foods may be found that potentially will enhance health, some of which are actually time-tested old world remedies.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!
 
http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/8-trends-know-2018