{"id":51153,"date":"2016-07-26T07:15:38","date_gmt":"2016-07-26T11:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=51153"},"modified":"2022-01-20T06:57:05","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T11:57:05","slug":"expensive-new-health-food-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/health\/expensive-new-health-food-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot or Hype? 5 New Crazy-Expensive Health Food Trends"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"5
Photo: @matcha_mylkbar<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019re down with acai<\/a>, take echinacea on the reg, and consider coconut oil<\/a> a mainstay in your home. But a new class of high-powered superfoods is pushing the envelope even further, making even the healthiest among us stop and do a double take. For starters, there\u2019s Gwyneth\u2019s pricy morning smoothie ritual<\/a> (whose ingredient shopping list totals $200 thanks to so-called \u201cmoon dust<\/a>\u201d). And then there\u2019s something called\u00a0Blue Majik\u00a0and\u2026astrologically farmed eggs?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re always looking for a quick fix, miracle ingredient or drug to cure our issues and make us healthier,\u201d says Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN and Founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition<\/a>. \u201cWhen we find something that sounds almost too crazy to be true, we assume it\u2019s the next miracle worker and hop on board.\u201d But not so fast, she says. \u201cIt\u2019s always important to understand fully what we\u2019re putting into our bodies before we do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find out if these hot health trends (and often hefty price tags) can live up to their claims.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Rainbow Bagels, Ramen Tacos: 2016\u2019s Unhealthiest Food Trends<\/a><\/p>\n

5\u00a0Crazy New Health Food Trends<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Astrologically Farmed Eggs
\n<\/strong>Yes, this is a thing, thanks to London\u2019s uber cool Hemsley sisters<\/a>. It\u2019s the next step in biodynamic farming, where crops are planted based on the phase of the moon \u2014\u00a0and on 100 percent ethical, self-sufficient land. Think organic<\/a> \u2014 x 100. For eggs, farmers use a moon almanac<\/a> to birth healthier chickens, which supposedly lay super delicious eggs. But is all the extra hands-on attention worth it (and the extra 15 cents per egg)?<\/p>\n

\u201cNot using hormones or antibiotics<\/a> in the process of growing chickens is definitely beneficial, but it may not differ from other organic methods,\u201d says Smith. \u201cNo research really exists on this.\u201d While Smith notes that eggs are a good source of protein and nutrients<\/a> like lutein, which may prevent age-related macular degeneration, you don\u2019t have to pay the astronomical price for these star-crossed eggs.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The Dirty Dozen: What to Buy Organic<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Blue Majik
\n<\/strong>Blue wine<\/a> isn\u2019t the only trendy blue food. Blue Majik<\/a> is making its debut in everything from protein shakes<\/a> to juice (like Juice Generation<\/a>\u2019s $10 \u201cHoly Water,\u201d complete with the blue-green algae) to blue (aka smurf) lattes<\/a>. It claims to reduce inflammation and support healthy joints.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is basically spirulina<\/a>, which is a source of chlorophyll, energizing B vitamins and iron,\u201d says Smith. According to Smith, chlorophyll also includes nutrients like vitamins A and C and magnesium. \u201c[Blue majik] contains a compound called phycocyanin, which may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but research has been done widely in mice.\u201d At $60 for 30 single packets, you might be better off sticking with your regular microalgae supplement.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 7 All-Time Worst Iced Coffee Orders<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Cordyceps\"
Photo: @cordyceps_official<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Cordyceps
\n<\/strong>There are plenty of magic mushrooms on the market, but this fungus that grows on caterpillar larva is the latest \u2018It\u2019 \u2018shroom (and an ingredient in Gwyneth Paltrow\u2019s morning smoothie). Advocates claim the fungus helps with oxygen uptake, stamina (on the field and in the bedroom) and recovery \u2014 not to mention boasts anti-cancer properties. Sounds pretty great, right?<\/p>\n

Aside from its long use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there isn\u2019t really much science to back<\/a> it up. \u201cNo research in humans has found any improvement in trained athletes,\u201d says Smith. A study from Brigham Young University<\/a> found that it did not improve performance in trained cyclists. As for the cancer and libido claims? Most research has been done in animals, not humans. Given its high price tag ($30 for 2.4 ounces<\/a>), you can probably pass on this one.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Are Medicinal Mushrooms the New Kale?<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Ashwagandha
\n<\/strong>Yes, it\u2019s a mouthful, but the adaptogenic herb<\/a> \u2014 aka Indian Ginseng \u2014 has been touted for everything from lowering cortisol levels to balancing thyroid hormones to fighting cancer. And yes, it\u2019s also an ingredient in Gwyneth\u2019s morning elixir. You can take it in capsule form or a bit of the powder or tincture to your daily juice or smoothie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to Smith, the herb has been used in Ayurveda and in many cultures for many years. \u201cThere has been some research that suggests that Ashwaganda may be beneficial in the areas of boosting immunity, joint health, adrenal gland support and hormone balance,\u201d she says. \u201cBut more research in humans is needed.\u201d If you choose to try it, remember it\u2019s a powerful herb and may interact with other medications or herbs you may be taking. \u201cBe sure to be in touch with your medical provider when taking it,\u201d says Smith.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>9 All-Natural Sources of Healthy Probiotics<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Cannabis
\n<\/strong>Ever since marijuana has gained favor in the medical community, it\u2019s been shooting for superherb status. It\u2019s been touted to improve athletic performance, relieve pain (including PMS symptoms) and reduce anxiety. Now, MJ is being added to edibles<\/a> too \u2013 and we\u2019re not just talking about pot brownies here. You\u2019ll find cannabis-infused into coconut oil, teas and even canna-butter. Proponents also claim that it will help you detox. (Yes, there really is a cannabis cleanse<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

The tales of weed\u2019s healing powers just may have some weight. Studies have shown that the herb may reduce inflammation<\/a>. Smith says that one of the compounds in cannabis closely resembles the body\u2019s natural endocannabinoids, which may mediate pain and provide PMS relief while suppressing headaches and helping with insomnia too. Research has also shown that marijuana may improve airflow to lungs<\/a> by acting as a bronchiodialator. (Ironic, we know.) As for those detox claims? More research<\/a>\u00a0is needed. PS: Check your state\u2019s cannabis laws before partaking!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From Blue Majik to astrologically farmed eggs, here are five health food trends celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow are dropping cash on \u2014 and which are actually legit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,7,11,9,426],"tags":[276,41,45,51,223,71,86,194,341,388],"class_list":["post-51153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-diet-nutrition","category-health","category-health-hacks","category-recipes","category-smoothies","tag-detox","tag-diets","tag-eggs","tag-food-choices","tag-juice","tag-nutrition","tag-smoothie","tag-superfood","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2nutrition"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51153"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51153\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}