Published On: Sat, Oct 5th, 2019

The Most Popular Health Foods to Try Today

Health food trends may come and go but there are a few stalwarts on the top-20 list have been around for generations. Maybe that’s because they’re not only nutritious, but are also delicious. A recent survey by a major medical institution surveyed experts in order to determine what the all-time favorite health foods are. The results are surprising. Here is a dozen of the “winners” among the hundreds of health foods out there. For convenience, we grouped them by category:

Brazil Nuts, Almonds & Lentils

These three are at the top of the “nuts and pulses” category. Lentils are in the latter division and are one of the current stars of the retail consumer market when it comes to health food items. Alongside them in popularity are two of the most nutritious and delicious members of the nut family: almonds and Brazil nuts. Both nuts have been at or near the top of their respective lists for decades but are enjoying a resurgence of interest as a result of the natural food movement. As meatless proteins they are a favorite of vegans and vegetarians.

Wheat Germ Cereals & Oatmeal

The big trend within this category is whole grains. Bread has been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years but somewhere along the line lost its nutritional potency when most of the products were processed. The “new-old” trend is for whole grain breads, cereals and other wheat-based items. Not only do they taste better but they also deliver a more potent dose of nutrition. As anyone who struggles with digestive problems knows, whole grains are one of nature’s best remedies for this pernicious malady.

Fish, Cheese, Meat & Eggs

While this is a huge category, it includes the many types of healthy protein that people prefer. One of the newer sub-trends within the segment includes vegan essentials and vegetarian offerings like organic meats, cage-free eggs and Miyoko plant-based dairy products. Survey results suggest that consumers love their protein but are making wiser choices about its sources. Even fish lovers are now opting for fresh offerings rather than processed versions that are often canned and don’t include as many nutrients.

Fruits & Vegetables

There are hundreds to choose from in this list, but people seem to gravitate to leafy greens, kale, broccoli, avocados, blueberries and apples. One of the surprising tidbits of data from the survey revealed that a growing number of consumers are juicing fruits and vegetables. The juicing craze of the early 2000s has apparently made a lasting impact on the way people prefer to include vegetables and fruits in their diets.

The smoothie craze is another social trend that boosted the popularity of these power foods. An entire culinary sub-culture has flourished around the infinite varieties of smoothies, many of which call for exotic or rare ingredients. Even so, old standards like apples, bananas, leafy greens, blueberries, strawberries and other time-honored fruits and vegetables continue to be smoothie staples in the new era of healthy eating.

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