A good nutrition plan is a vital tool to promote physical and psychological well-being. However, it can be confusing as advice tends to change from year to year.
Below we have reviewed three ways nutrition trends that have evolved in 2020. These new approaches are based on data, and we believe they are here to stay.
CBD
Before 2019 it was very unlikely that you would ever find cannabis and nutrition in the same sentence.
However, this year, research is beginning to demonstrate that cannabis has a lot more to offer than its infamous reputation as a recreational drug.
The Cannabis Sativa family of plants contains over 120 different compounds that react with the human body in different ways. One of these compounds is a cannabinoid called Cannabidiol ( or CBD for short).
Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties and will not get users high. Instead, it has been found to have numerous nutritional benefits, including:
● Promoting Anti-inflammation – the soreness we feel in our muscles after a hard workout is more than just an annoyance; it\’s a sign of inflammation. The quicker we can reduce this, the more we can train. Scientific research in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has shown CBD to be an anti-inflammatory.
● Antioxidant – An antioxidant is a compound that can help prevent damage to the cells within our body. A well-known example of an antioxidant is vitamin C. A wide range of studies from respected institutions around the world has demonstrated CBD\’s antioxidant properties.
As a result, CBD has attracted attention from the health and wellness industry and is now heavily marketed at those who want to improve their nutrition. CBD can even help with alcohol withdrawal.
Cara Romson, a manager at Elevate, a UK CBD vape brand has noticed a change in customer: Before, the bulk of our customers were typically young professionals who were using CBD to relax after a hard day\’s work. However, in the last six months, we\’ve had a massive swing towards consumers who are using CBD for its restorative properties. They use it to help them train longer and harder and minimize recovery time.
Nutrigenomics
There are over seven billion of us on planet earth, and every one of us has an individual genetic makeup.
As a result, it would make sense that there is no nutrition program that \’fits all\’. The nutrition industry has caught up to this fact and is now beginning to personalize nutrition plans for their clientele.
In the 1990s, the Human Genome Project was launched and changed the way we understand human DNA forever.
One of the disciplines that have branched off from the Genome Project is Nutrigenomics. Nutrigenomics examines the relationship between our genetic makeup and the food we eat and is believed to be the next big thing in Nutrition Science.
Over the last few years, the technology behind genetic testing has become more available to the public. As a result, companies are now able to use our DNA data to suggest suppliers that our bodies will respond best to or diets that \’best matches\’ our genes.
It is also useful for recommended diets for weight loss – for example, low-fat diet vs. low carbohydrate date; which is best for you?
It\’s early days in the world nutrigenomics, and it is very complicated. However, over the next five years, we can expect to play a significant part in nutritional advice.
Microbiomes
The microbiome refers to all the microorganisms that live inside our digestive system. A study from 2016 discovered that we have more microbial cells than human cells!
A healthy microbiome is believed to have positive effects on our health, including mood and body mass index.
On the other hand, data shows that a poor diet can kill friendly gut bacteria and is linked to depression and weight gain.
Over the last year, products which claim to boost the health of the microbial cells in our gut have increased in sales. Big companies are investing significantly in research and development to create products that promote healthy bacteria and improve our well being.