10 Health Trends for 2018

Published on by Nikken

As we approach the end of 2017, it’s the perfect time to assess some of the health trends for 2018. Here are 10 that dovetail with the Nikken focus on Active Wellness.

1          Less sugar consumption. A recent survey found that 12% fewer adults and 19% fewer children have a sugary beverage like soda or juice on any given day compared to data from 2003.1 See our blog from January 17, 2017

2          Matcha tea. The powdered tea dates back to the 10th century, when Zen Buddhists found that the tea brought them a sense of clarity, focus, energy, and a feeling of well-being. In addition, matcha creates that feeling of being awake but calm. That’s because L-theanine helps lead to relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine also helps produce dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood, improve memory, and boost concentration.2 Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix, made with the highest quality of organic matcha tea leaves, launched in 2014.

3          Increase in water intake. People are learning to drink more water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness and cramping. To help increase water consumption, you can stir in lemon, orange or other sliced/chopped fruit, add mulled herbs for a natural flavor boost, and drink a whole glass of water at each meal.

4          Flexitarian diet. The focus is on incorporating more plant-based food into the diet without completely forgoing meat. Gradually replace some meat and seafood with vegetable proteins. With Kenzen nutritional supplements and the Everyday Weight Management program, it’s easy to focus on a plant-based diet that includes apportioned lean meats.

5     Adaptogenic herbs and spices to help reduce inflammation.3 Inflammation and chronic stress are so talked about now that natural ways to help address them have taken center stage. Adding herbs and spices is a great way to flavor food and increase intake of antioxidants. Nikken nutritional supplements are formulated with adaptogens:

  • Kenzen® Cleanse and Detox has ashwaganda, shisandra, turmeric extract, bupleurum extract and milk thistle—all organic.
  • Kenzen® Clarity has turmeric, ashwagandha , gingko leaf, bacopa leaf and lion’s mane mushroom—all organic.
  • Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ has turmeric, rhodiola, ginger and inulin, all organic.
  • Kenzen® Immunity has 14 species of mushrooms, all adaptogenic and grown under laboratory conditions.

6   Temperature regulating fabric. Large companies have begun touting the benefits of wearing clothes or support garments that keep you both warm and cool. Nikken is one of the few companies that incorporates ceramic-reflective fibers in sleep products and support wraps to help release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature.

7     Fermented food and beverages. “If you’re consuming a diet rich in fermented foods, you’re essentially bathing your GI tract in healthy, food-related organisms,” says food scientist Robert Hutkins, PhD, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose lab focuses on the link between fermented foods and human health.4 Kenzen® Clarity contains 100% organic ingredients that are fermented to increase the macro- and micro-nutrients while breaking down food that is difficult to process.

8     Consumption of pulses. Pulses refer to the dry seeds of edible legumes, such as peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. High in protein and fiber while low in fat, pulses are nutrient-dense and help you stay on a plant-focused diet. The primary ingredient in Kenzen Vital Balance® is organic pea protein.

9     “Smart” beds and pillows to help you sleep better. Sleep products have been “numbered,” “angled” and made with memory foam and contouring husks. Ask anyone who has experienced a Kenko Sleep System and you’ll never want to sleep on anything else.

10     Monk fruit. Known as luo han guo in China, where it grows naturally, the Chinese have eaten it for millennia. Now the world has discovered monk fruit as a natural sweetener with zero calories. This expensive ingredient is prominent in both vanilla and chocolate flavors of Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix. Read all about it in our blog.