CHFA’s top health food trends for 2016

In consultation with experts from across the country, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has identified the top five new natural health trends to look out for throughout 2016.

“The Canadian Health Food Association has the privilege of being considered the voice of the natural health industry and the authoritative source on natural health in Canada,” says CHFA president, Helen Long. “We have consulted with experts across the country and are thrilled to share the new and trendy ways Canadians can optimize their health and happiness in 2016.”

Here are the CHFA’s top trends for 2016, as described in a CHFA press release:

1. Sea vegetables: Is kelp the new kale?

Sea vegetables can help reduce sodium intake while supporting thyroid health, as these unique vegetables are rich in naturally occurring iodine. Iodine is a key player in regulating metabolism, weight control and energy levels. We are seeing more and more people turning to these sea vegetables to help sustain the environment, as well as an overall healthy lifestyle.

2. Fibre is the new “protein”

In 2015 protein was all the rage. In 2016 all the experts will be buzzing about the next big health craze – fibre! We all know fibre is good for digestive and intestinal health, but did you know that in certain cases an increase in fibre intake can help maintain weight better than a restrictive diet plan? It also boasts heart health benefits and has been shown to lower cholesterol. In 2016 a high-fibre diet trend will continue with innovative ways to incorporate it into your healthy lifestyle.

3. Hemp for health

This year it will be easy to add hemp into your healthy, balanced diet. Canadians will find hemp as a raw seed, ground into flour, sprouted, as hemp milk or juice, in lip balm, as a protein or fibre supplement, and in other products including clothing and paper! Hemp is also a great vegan protein alternative for people who are allergic to nuts. Canada has a thriving hemp industry, so many products available in your local store are Canadian grown and made! Studies now show that hemp offers the ideal ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids and is another way to stay heart healthy.

4. New sweets and savouries with a health kick

In 2016, people will be ditching the traditional potato chips and looking to get their crunch on with beans, lentils and root veggies. We will also be finding new ways to satisfy our sweet tooth with natural health food stores brimming with sweet snacks that pack a healthy punch from dark cocoa, to gummies, to tea pops.

5. Vitamin C and D

We all know vitamin C supplements can help lessen the length of our cold and flu symptoms, but did you know it can also help our skin? Creams rich in vitamin C have the ability to protect skin during harsh winter months from sun damage and, luckily, lesser known winter veggies like squash and Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin D is also incredibly versatile, with applications for boosting bone to heart health. Especially in the winter months, Canadians should consider vitamin D and C supplements to maximize their health.