With every new year comes new attitudes, behaviors and trends. 2019 promises to be an especially innovative year, with endless products and technologies set to be released. The health universe will also experience impactful innovation, and previously-unfamiliar wellness trends will become the new norm. Read on for our roundup of the most prominent health trends to look for in 2019!

Food & Drink

Elderberries

Searches for recipes using elderberries will be on the rise this year, due to the berry’s increasing popularity. Consumers are showing interest in this ingredient due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cassava Flour

Alternative baking, such as gluten-and grain-free, often utilizes unconventional flours. One of the newer kids on the block is cassava flour, which is ground from cassava root (yuca). The flour can be used in nut-free and paleo baking too!

Tahini

Make room, almond butter! Much speculation has slated tahini as the newest nut butter competitor. Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is becoming more and more common in grocery stores and pantries all over.  

Moringa

The matcha craze just might be diluted by the rise of moringa this year. Moringa (moringa oleifera) is a plant that can be crushed up into a powder for nutritional and medicinal purposes. This new health product is filled with antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels.

MCT Oil

As people are warming up to the idea of diets rich in fat, healthier alternatives to butter are popping up left and right. MCT oil is the perfect example; it is an oil extracted from coconut oil and is a staple in many ketogenic-type diets.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil has become more commonly used in kitchens across the world thanks to its soothing effects and invigorating nature. The oil can be used in a bath, on the skin, or in condiments.

Physical Wellness

Rowing

Spin classes have dominated the fitness world as of late, but their moments of fame may be coming to an end. With the increased popularity of rowing, there has recently been a dramatic rise in indoor classes offered for the activity. Rowing is a lucrative form of exercise because of its efficiency and total body targeting.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has become wildly popular over the past couple years for its weight loss, heart health, digestion, blood sugar, and brain health benefits. In intermittent fasting, individuals go a substantial portion of each 24-hour day without eating (most commonly for 12-16 hour windows). Remember, doing research and consulting with your doctor are both good ideas before taking on any new dietary lifestyle!

Sleep Logs

Keeping a sleep log or journal is believed to help individuals with sleep optimization, which is a topic that has been frequently searched on the internet over the past couple years. Tracking sleep duration and other relevant details allows people to better assess and improve their sleeping habits. There are even mobile apps that make this process even easier!

The Bigger Picture

Brain Health

Anxiety, lack of focus, poor memory, and brain fog are issues that many people face on a day-to-day basis. In 2019, there will be an increased emphasis on foods, drinks, supplements, and activities that support brain health.

Eco-Conscious Packaging

Many companies will nix plastic straws in 2019 and instead use paper straws or straw-less sipper lids. One-time use packaging will also likely begin to slowly disappear and reusable dishes and trays will become more common among takeout joints.

What heath-related topic will you focus on in 2019? Share in the comments below.