Food plays a very significant role in ensuring that we stay healthy. If you’re a vegan or any type of healthy eater, you need to know about these 2018 Green Food Trends.

Experts in the health and wellness sector have highlighted that the secret to staying healthy is knowing what you are eating. You need to know where your food and its ingredients are coming from as well.

9 Green Food Trends to Keep You Living Well in 2018

Making informed choices concerning your diet is the way to go. We are here to ensure that you live a long, nourished and healthy life. Here are some of the food trends that are taking the year by storm:

1. Green Food Trends: Edible Flavors

If you are looking to season your soups, salads and beverages, edible flavors are all that you need for that desired taste. Edible flavors have very low-calorie counts, since all petals have up to 95% water content. They are well known for boosting the wellness of an individual. These flavors are easy to grow and can be grown in your home garden.

However, if you want to grow such flavors, be sure to do your research. Some of these flowers can be eaten entirely, while others like the rose, have to have their stamens and pistils removed before consumption. Edible flavors can also be used to exacerbate allergies.

NOTE: Adding flower flavors to foods of high sugar levels with no fiber, like marshmallows and ice pops, does not make them healthy foods.

2. Green Food Trends: Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms come at the top of the Green Food trend list for this year. These veggies are very rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Research has shown that these vegan foods can be used to significantly treat or prevent high cholesterol and cancer.

Always insist on taking mushrooms in their natural state. A homemade mushroom broth is an easy substitute for ready-to-eat foods or ready-to-drink beverages.

Some of the mushrooms with high health benefits include:

• Reishi
• Cordcepts
• Lions Mane

3. Green Food Trends: Middle Eastern Foods

Middle Eastern foods are great when it comes to cardiovascular problems and body health in general. Some of the common Middle Eastern ingredients found in these foods include:

• Eggplant
• Cucumber
• Parsley
• Tomato Jam
• Tahini
• Mint
• Dried fruits and
• Pomegranate

Pure Middle Eastern spices also are a favorite among health experts and nutritionists. Spices such as cardamom, harrisa, and Za’atar originate from the Middle Eastern region. Some of this region’s healthy dishes include:

• Grilled halloumi
• Lamb and
• Shakshuka

4. Green Food Trends: Super Powders

Super powders are another healthy food trend to check out this year. Some are good while others may be bad. The recommended ones greatly boost metabolism and don’t add calories to your diet. Good super powders, such as the matcha green tea, are very good antioxidants.

Bad super powders contain lots of calories, chemical fillers and added sugars. Avoid super powders filled with preservatives, allergens, synthetic toxins, GMOs and artificial flavors. Vital Protein Collagen Peptides are highly recommended for coffee, smoothies and yogurts. They are very good for the hair, nails and the skin.

5. Green Food Trends: Eating Plant Life

These days, the term “veggie burger” no longer means a burger without the meat. In 2018, these term refers to a burger featuring meat created using vegetables.

Real plant-based foods are the real deal when it comes to healthy eating. Most vegan meat and dairy products are best when natural. Be careful when it comes to eating plant life. Not all vegan foods are healthy, contrary to belief. Go for those with reasonable protein levels and low carbohydrates levels.

6. Green Food Trends: Root-to-Stem

This is an environmentally-friendly food trend. Roots, skins and stems of most fruits and vegetables are usually thrown away. However, they are the most nutritious parts of veggies and fruits.

Carrot tops, for instance, can be used to make an amazing pesto. Nutritionists argue that eating the whole plant is economical since you have less to throw away. It also exposes one to different nutrients, tastes and textures. Go ahead and be as healthy as possible. Enjoy the whole plant!

7. Green Food Trends: Vegan Tacos of Different Flavors

Vegan tacos are really trending in 2018, with various types on the market, such as the seaweed taco. Most have very good nutrition value.

When it comes to vegan tacos, you should be very careful with how the shells are produced. Also, insist on low salt and low-fat contents. Some tacos, such as those made using tortilla chip, can really pack calories that can add to your waistline.

Swapping the shell and using a lettuce leaf to wrap your protein in, along with fiber fillers, is always the best option for a healthy taco.

8. Green Food Trends: Popped and Puffed Snacks

Popped and puffed snacks are a healthy food trend in 2018. Crunchy and crispy, snacks such as those made of cassava, seaweed or Brussels sprouts, are really good for you. However, it is advisable to always portion out your snacks.

Avoid puffed and popped snacks with high contents of calories, salt, fat and sodium. At least 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein snacks are recommended daily for healthy living.

9. Green Food Trends: Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is here to stay. It is always the healthiest alternative for soda. This water keeps your body hydrated and clears the skin. Avoid sparkling water with sodium, added sugars and artificial flavors.

NOTE: Sparkling water should not be necessarily a water substitute.

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