There is no doubt that the food we eat influences our overall health. We haven’t come across many who would argue this point. What we are encountering more often now is consumers who vouch for the “farmacy” versus the pharmacy. Much of this belief stems from visiting the farmacy first so that visits to the latter aren’t necessary. Obviously, food as medicine is not a new concept. For centuries various cultures have turned to foods for treating ailments. However, the wealth of knowledge we have access to through technology, together with the growth of functional foods on the market gives us the opportunity to know of and get our hands on these food prescriptions. Foods like these are especially sought after in a time when combatting health issues and fighting illness feel more important than ever due to COVID-19.
Some of these ingredients are emerging and unfamiliar to the average consumer, but so many are every day ingredients found in any grocery store. Looking across Datassential’s Functional Food Menu Adoption Cycle, we see ingredients in each life stage that can make a big impact on personal health. Moringa, miso, ginger, and kale are all preventative, functional ingredients growing in menu presence.
Moringa is a superfood grown in tropical and subtropical regions that is in the inception phase of the Menu Adoption Cycle. The power of this plant is unique. Not only does it possess antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties, but its dried seeds can miraculously clean contaminated water which is helping developing countries around the world. That’s a tough act to follow, but we’ll try with our Grilled Skirt Steak with Moringa Salsa Verde and Fennel Pollen Yucca Chips which infuses super green moringa with our Custom Culinary® Tomatillo Serrano Sauce.
Within the adoption life stage is fermented foods. This can include items such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and miso. These foods are all about the gut, increasing the number of good bacteria within the digestive tract to improve digestion, immunity, and weight loss. There is even evidence that supports fermented foods help relieve depression and anxiety. Asian ingredient miso has that perfectly salty and funky fermented flavor. This Miso Salmon Bowl is as craveable as it is nutritious, and the assembly comes together in a snap.
The proliferation phase, where ginger sits, begins upon ingredients being used commonly at chain restaurants and found on mainstream grocery shelves. Utilizing ginger in its many forms may have multiple positive effects on the body and mind, including fighting infections and preventing cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Julienned fresh ginger gives authentic flavor to Korean Chicken Noodle Soup, along with japchae noodles, shiitake mushrooms, silken tofu, kimchi, and fish sauce.
Kale finds itself in the ubiquity category and is most common in the Fast Casual and Fine Dining segments. This hearty vegetable is packed with vitamins A, K, and C. It also can help lower LDL cholesterol; one study found steamed kale 43% as potent as Cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering drug). Talk about a food prescription! Salad and soups are, or course, the easy go-tos when it comes to incorporating this item on your menu. We love this hearty and healthful Charred Beef, Vegetables, and Grain Bowl which includes seared kale along with a variety of other colorful vegetables.
There’s a good chance you already have some nutrient-dense ingredients on your menu, so find ways to capitalize on their benefits. Within social media posts or menu descriptions, consider adding functional terms where applicable such as “immune-boosting,” “vitamin-packed,” or “gut healthy.” And if you’re in need of inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn as we’re focusing on Nourishing Cuisine this month, our second top trend of 2021. Until next time, be true to the food!
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