SUPER FOODS

As consumers gain a greater understanding of the importance of a nutrient-rich diet to overall health, superfoods, such as acai, chia seeds, pomegranate and kale, have become the darlings of the packaged foods world, generating widespread consumer interest, with a plethora of products touting their health benefits and creating a multi-billion dollar industry.

While the fortunes of some of the foods are relatively short-lived, a group of up-and-coming superfoods seem to have the makings of a long-term powerhouse with plenty of staying power. Here are some superfoods to keep an eye on:

Ancient Indian

Named by Mintel as a superfood to watch in 2016, turmeric has continued to see growing market traction into 2017, popping up in products across categories – from foods, beverages and dietary supplements to beauty care products.

Turmeric contains many active compounds, but it is curcumin, which gives it its golden colour, that is the most well-known and studied. A plant native to Southeast Asia and part of the ginger family, Turmeric’s rise is likely due to a number of factors; it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects at a time when chronic inflammation is being linked to a wide range of prevalent health issues, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. But perhaps even more important is its noticeable effect. When consumers use a turmeric-based product, say for arthritis pain, they may notice an immediate improvement, which can trigger repurchase and potentially even fanatical belief in its efficacy.

One in a Million

Once eaten by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, moringa is a superfood star that is predicted to gain as much popularity as kale. Native to South Asia, it is a weed-like plant that grows well in tropical climates and has been touted for a wide variety of health benefits. Little wonder, it is not only chock full of calcium, vitamin A and iron, it also consists of one-third protein, so it rivals the nutrient density of kale and quinoa.

Moringa is also a powerhouse in the sustainability movement. The drought-tolerant plant grows well in areas where malnutrition is widespread, such as South Asia, South America and West Africa, and it is predicted to have a growing impact for mothers and children in these areas. The popularity of the plant is also providing a sustainability livelihood for growers in these communities.

Health Claims:

• Supports healthy blood glucose
• Enhances milk production for nursing mothers
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Maintains healthy blood pressure and heart function

Peruvian Gift from the Gods

Maca is a tuber, or turnip-like plant, native to Peru’s Andean region. It has been farmed there for more than 2,000 years and is highly regarded for its nutrition, healing effects and support of sexual function. It has been traditionally used to treat anemia, fatigue, sterility and tuberculosis. More recently, maca has been studied for its ability to increase energy, stamina and mental clarity, and is also lauded for restoring balance as well as providing some relief for mild depression.

The root is also nutrient dense, high in protein, natural sugars, iron, potassium, calcium, iodine and magnesium. Not surprisingly, maca is an increasingly popular ingredient in a variety of products, most notably sports and energy drinks.

It allows the products to provide an energy boost without caffeine, an important attribute for many sports and natural product customers.

Total sales of maca-based products are estimated to reach more than $100 million in 2017, according to figures from the Nutrition Business Journal.

 

Sources – Superfood Sources 

Turmeric supplement have potential with US consumers. Mintel Consumer report may 2016

The healing power of medicinal mushrooms. Fantastic Fungi. Com.  http://fantasticfungi.com/healing-power-medicinal-mushrooms/

The Marketing of Moringa. KNPR. Org. Accessed at https://knpr.org/npr/2015-09/marketing-moringa-new-kale

Maca is an ancient remedy for the problems of today. Mintel Food Science Report Sept. 2015

HerbalGram Dietary Supplements Herb Market Report 2016 http://cms.herbalgram.org/
herbalgram/issue111/hg111-mktrpt.html

The Maca Microcosm. New Hope Networkhttp://www.newhope.com/managing-your-business/maca-microcosm

Adaptogens Sources

Adaptogens  explained. WellandGood.com. https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/adaptogens-explained/ 

Ashwagandha benefits and uses. https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/
ashwagandha-benefits-and-uses/slide/4/ 

Licorice roots benefits http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/licorice-root-benefits.html

 

Adaptogens 

Solving for

Stress & Beyond

The rising interest in adaptogens has all the markings of a “health trend extraordinaire” as consumers get wise to the power of these natural stress and fatigue fighters. The category may owe a debt to the rising popularity of turmeric, itself an adaptogen, but consumers are now moving to the next level as they seek more natural, gentle remedies for today’s most common health issues, including insomnia, stress, digestive issues and sexual dysfunction.

Used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicines, adaptogens are known as tonic herbs that support the body’s response to adverse effects like stress and toxins. More specifically, they support the adrenal glands, which manage the body’s hormonal response to stress, anxiety and fatigue.

By definition, these herbs are non-toxic to the body’s physiological functions and, in general, bring the body back to a state of equilibrium. Different adaptogens have different functions ranging from calming the adrenal system to boosting immune support.

Here are some of the noteworthy players emerging in products.

Ashwagandha

Known as the prince of herbs in Indian Ayurvedic tradition, ashwagandha is praised for a wide range of therapeutic properties with growing evidence of its value as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator, aphrodisiac and neurological protectant. It is commonly touted for increasing overall longevity and reducing fatigue, adapting the body’s response to stress, insomnia
and anxiety.

Licorice Root

Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root as an adaptogen is known as a synergistic partner or peacemaker helping various herbs work together. It is loaded with healing substances that have been touted for conditions ranging from a common cold to liver disease. Licorice root is well-studied for its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects and has been used to address conditions such as asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, digestive disorders
and skin conditions.

Medicinal

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been noted for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. In more modern times, as our ability to cultivate these fungi has improved, they have caught the attention of scientists who are working to confirm their traditional uses as well as find new health benefits. As a result, they are proving to be desirable ingredients in products across a variety of categories from teas and coffees to bars and snack foods.

The therapeutic benefits of various mushrooms have been well studied and have long been incorporated in a variety of pharmaceutical drugs. Similar to turmeric, mushrooms also provide a noticeability factor, boosting energy, enhancing focus without causing a crash or jitters, and alleviating feelings of stress.

Reishi Mushrooms

Sometimes called “shining skin” for its shiny varnished appearance, these mushrooms are most well-known by their Japanese name and are thought of in ancient wisdom as the mushroom for immortality. As an adaptogen, it is known to relieve insomnia, reduce stress and have a calming effect.

Health Claims:

• Maintains athletic performance
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Enhances respiratory function
• Builds immune function

Lion’s Mane

This globe-shaped fungus has icicle-shaped spines that have generated a number of nicknames, such as Monkey’s Head and Hedgehog Fungus. It is seen as a powerful superfood adaptogen supporting the brain, nerves and immune function. It is also packed with antioxidants, beta-glucan and polysaccharides that are powerful immunomodulators.

Health Claims:

• Enhances cognitive function
• Supports digestive health
• Boosts immunity

Cordyceps

Winning the prize for the strangest background, Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on caterpillars living high in the Himalayan Mountains. It is thought that the drastic changes in temperature at these elevations boost its adaptogenic properties. Cordyceps are regarded in traditional Chinese medicine as a support for the kidneys, sexual function, cognitive health, bone and joint support as well as healing.

Health Claims:

• Relieves fatigue
• Calms the nervous system
• Enhances adrenal function
• Reduces blood cholesterol
• Supports healthy inflammatory response

In-Store

Execution Tips

• Showcase products through an enticing demo program with any of the above superfoods or adaptogens. For some consumers, these special ingredients can be intimidating to try because of their unique flavour profiles. Include familiar product categories such as ready-to-drink beverages. Nutrition bars and tea that feature these on-trend ingredients can encourage consumers to give them a try.
• Ensure that key categories and brands are represented in your stores.
• Include supplement formats of superfoods and adaptogens.
• Highlight health claims with shelf talkers to engage and educate consumers.
• Equip staff with educational information to better serve inquiring consumers.