Why These 8 Food Fads Are Worth Trying

From kale to quinoa, goji berries to gluten-free, food fads are all around us. Usually inspired by the latest health research or culinary infusion, food fads come and go like fashion trends. There are some, however, that are worth sticking with. Whether they're simply delicious or powerfully nutritious, these foods are more than just a fad.

Gluten-Free Flours

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, for some people, gluten is a problem. Gluten-free flours were developed to help those with a gluten intolerance or allergy. With their increasing popularity, these flours are widely available for anyone looking to experiment with or adopt a gluten-free lifestyle. They're easy to incorporate into your diet as they make good substitutions for baked goods or thick sauces. Check out our list of gluten-free recipes—we recommend the chocolate streusel!

Kale

Kale is one of the most nutritionally dense leafy greens. With its crunchy texture, kale belongs to the cabbage family. It's a major source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C, and B6 as well as calcium, magnesium, and more. Additionally, kale is loaded with antioxidants, which protect you from heart disease and other health issues. A versatile vegetable, it can be made into a salad, roasted into kale chips, or blended into your favorite smoothie.

Quinoa

Pronounced "KEEN-wah," this nutty-tasting seed has quite the impressive nutritional profile. One cup of quinoa contains nearly eight grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. It can easily be added into a salad, side dish, or homemade granola bars. For a light and fresh meal, try this kale and quinoa salad.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be high in fat, but it's also a medium-chain fatty acid. This means that the acid is broken down differently than a long-chain fatty acid. It's metabolized as ketones, which is the brain's preferred source of energy. Coconut oil can be incorporated into daily life as a cooking oil, butter replacement, hair mask, skin moisturizer, and even wood polish, among many other uses.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are little foods that have a big impact. Native to South America, chia seeds have long been known to provide sustainable, long-term energy. High in protein and fiber, they can help protect against heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. They're easy to include in your day-to-day life, and make a great addition to your next smoothie, dessert, or even face mask.

Flax Seeds

From your favorite baking recipe to your morning serving of Greek yogurt, flax seeds are a food definitely worth consuming. These seeds are rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, and abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, which may help you reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Convinced? Then start enjoying more flax seeds in your life with this flax and sunflower seed bread recipe!

Hemp Seeds

Originating from the hemp plant, hemp seeds are delicious, powerful, and packed with big benefits for your health. They're high in protein, which can help you feel full. The seeds are also rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. You can consume them raw, roasted, as a salad ingredient, or in baking.

Goji Berries

Grown in the Himalayas, goji berries are also known as "wolfberries" or "western strawberries." These tiny, dried berries can help protect against vision loss, boost immunity, and provide vitamins and minerals. Goji berries work well as a salad topper or part of a Greek yogurt mix. They can be infused in hot water to make a delicious tea, or you can enjoy them as a stand-alone snack.

Some food fads have staying power, and these trends are here for the long haul. Whether for a smoothies, salad, or soup, you can add a few of these foods to your favorite snack or meal, and reap the benefits

Do you have a food fad you enjoy? Share your experience with us!

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