HEALTH + WELLNESS
OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW
CALL IT AN INDUSTRY ; CALL IT A LIFESTYLE ; CALL IT A COMBINATION OF THE TWO – WHATEVER IT IS , HEALTH AND WELLNESS HAS ITS FINGER FIRMLY ON THE PULSE WHEN IT COMES TO MOVING WITH THE TIMES . THIS YEAR KISSES GOODBYE TO SEAWEED AND SOUPING AND WAVES HELLO TO TIGER NUTS AND SUPER SPICES , JUST TWO OF THE WELLBEING TRENDS THAT LOOK SET TO SOAR IN 2017 . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
TIGER NUTS
The tiger nut is nothing to do with neither tigers nor nuts and is , in fact , a small root vegetable and traditional food that has been grown and eaten for centuries across the Mediterranean and Africa . Commonly found in the form of tiger nut flour – a great , gluten-free , grain-free alternative flour that can be used in baking or cooking – it ’ s suitable for all types of diets from vegan to Paleo and nut-free . High in fibre and rich in calcium , iron , magnesium and potassium , you can expect to see tiger nuts emerge as the dieter ’ s friend in 2017 as they ’ re great for the digestive system and are said to aid weight loss .
OMEGA 3 FROM ALGAE
You can expect to see all things natural , environmentally friendly and sustainable hit even greater heights this year , and , bearing in mind growing concerns about the sustainability of fish due to the over farming of our oceans , using Omega 3 from algae means we can access the benefits of the nutrient without affecting precious fish stock . Most of us know about the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids – especially DHA and EPA from oily fish , but for anyone who can ’ t eat fish or take fish oil supplements , getting a good source of these healthy fats can be a problem . The answer ? Algae , which can now be found in both oil and supplement form .
PROBIOTIC WATER
Probiotic yoghurts and probiotic supplements have been around for ages – even probiotic chocolate has found a niche in the market , but the newest kid on the gut-health block is probiotic water . Tablets are out this year and functional food and drinks are in , so probiotic water is a wellness powerhouse combining the goodness of water with the added health benefits of lots of lovely life-giving microorganisms .
CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower is amazingly versatile : you can pulse raw florets in a food processor to make cauliflower ‘ rice ’; steam it and mash it for a comforting side dish ; or just remove the leaves , shove it in the oven and bake it whole ( which is great drizzled with a bit of good quality honey ). It ’ s low in carbs and calories and high in fibre , vitamin C , folate and potassium , and also contains compounds called glucosinolates , which are thought to have anti-cancer properties , so expect to see it everywhere in 2017 .
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