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7 Top Healthy-Food Trends for 2014

December 22, 2014

2014's Healthy-Food TrendsWhat new healthy-food trends will be big in 2014? Here are the top 7 according to experts:

1. Cauliflower

Last year was the kale trend, and 2014’s hot veggie is cauliflower. You’ll see colorful cauliflowers and find this nutrient-dense vegetable in dishes you wouldn’t think of looking, such as mashed potatoes and “potato” salad.

2. Sesame Seeds

Due to increasing nut allergies, seeds will be making a big statement in 2014. Sesame seeds should especially be in your pantry due to their high levels of calcium and zinc (almost 20 percent of your daily dose of each). Also studies have found that sesame seed consumption helped with improving lipid and glucose profiles in pre-diabetic patients.

3. Apples 

This tried-and-true perennial healthy food will again be on stage for 2014, due to recent studies which have shown that apple consumption helps to lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol, and also reduces the risk of ulcerative colitis. Other studies show optimistic results that apple consumption may help to ward off breast cancer, and a 2013 study found that eating apples could expand your lifespan by 10 percent.

4. Pea Protein

The popularity of plant-based eating has encouraged manufactures to make products with plant-based proteins. Pea protein is a hot protein alternative to egg and dairy protein because of its link to greater satiety compared to whey and other proteins. Mayesa proudly uses pea protein in its products.

5. Non-Wheat Pasta

Gluten-free foods continue to drive the new healthy food trends. Expect to see more pasta made from non-wheat alternatives, like quinoa, rice and buckwheat.

6. Sprouting

Sprouted seeds, pulses and beans are collectively known as ‘sprouts’ and they’re going to be big in 2014. Sprouts are effectively living foods and one of the richest forms of nutrients known.

You can sprout your own mung beans, split peas and lentils alongside hazelnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds at home within a couple of days. Add these to salads and soups for a rich source of complete vegetarian protein, as well as a fresh taste that pops.

7. Organic and Local

A growing trend is healthy eating by focusing on organic and local produce. This has been trending for some time, but watch for this to continue and to become more of a lifestyle, a social movement, in 2014.

Besides the burgeoning Farmer’s Markets, Community Supported Agriculture, commonly known as CSA, is an agricultural model that re-connects people to their local food source.  A network or association of individuals pledge to support one or more local farms, with growers and consumers sharing the risks and benefits of food production.

CSA members or subscribers pay at the onset of the growing season for a share of the anticipated harvest; once harvesting begins, they receive weekly shares of vegetables and fruit.