Superfoods » Superhrana | 97 DINE&WINE of vegans and vegetarians is definitely set to rise to become a global movement. Here’s what the world’s dieticians and nutritionists have to say about what we’ll be eating in 2021. Kelp is the new kale Traditionally used in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine for thousands of years, seaweed has been slow to break into mainstream western cuisine. Yes, you’ve eaten it in sushi and miso soup, but it’s unlikely to be a huge part of your diet for now. Kelp is a nutritional superstar, with each serving providing several minerals, including calcium, and B vitamins. And it’s also an absolute dream when it comes to sustainability. The future is green Plant-based products and “meat” alternatives were having a moment pre-COVID and have only gained momentum since. The pandemic has shed light on the nasty practises and working conditions of meatpacking. Moreover, the growing climate crisis, animal welfare concerns, religious beliefs and evolving personal health interests are tipping the scales in favour of “meatless meat”. A global shift to plant-based eating could save an estimated one million lives and reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to twothirds by 2050. Vegan meat alternatives and snacks will continue to grow in 2021, with more brands responding and developing products to fit this category. Plant-based also covers non-dairy beverage trends, such as oat milk. Foods that support the immune system There are many nutrients that benefit the health provided by an assortment of lean meats, vegetables, fruit and nuts. For example, the protein that’s found in lean meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, beans, peas and nuts can help support the immune system. The same goes for vitamin A, which is found in carrots, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, apricots etc., and for vitamin C, which you get from citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and tomatoes. Vitamin E, which is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, peanut butter and avocados, works as an antioxidant, while zinc, which is found in poultry, seafood, milk, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts, also plays a role in healing. Other beneficial nutrients include vitamins B6, B12 and folate, as well as minerals like copper, selenium and iron. Battle against food waste Cooking with leftovers has become more mainstream in recent years. Now that more families and individuals are cooking at home, there are many more people who are becoming aware of the moral and financial implications of wasting food. Food companies are also increasingly recognising the huge problem represented by food waste, so in 2021 there will be a focus on recycling food scraps, from stems and leaves, all the way to vegetable and fruit pulp, and re-incorporating them into edible and tasty snacks. Plant Protein Plant proteins have been increasing in popularity for awhile, but they stand to be even more popular this year. Basic meat-replacement staples, such as aubergine and lentils, are also popular. Plant-based meals are big right now, and this is a trend that’s not going away anytime soon. There is a growing understanding among consumers, particularly younger people, that eating meat is not the greatest for either the environment or our health. And we know that even substituting a few meatless meals a week can make a big difference. Chickpeas are the new cauliflower Rich in fibres and plant proteins, chickpeas are the new cauliflower. They are a wonderful ingredient that you can prepare in numerous ways.There is chickpea flour, but also chickpea tofu. Proteins packaged in legumes are becoming a global trend. Be Climatarian or Flexitarian Echoing the benefits of localism, diets are expected to shift to include more environmentally friendly, sustainable food practises, with many people set to focus mostly on foods that have the lowest climate impact. Also, rather than trying to convince omnivores to ditch meat and animal products entirely, there will be a growing push to reduce the intake of animal products. Up to 60% of millennials are interested in adopting a flexitarian diet, while consumers may look to swap a few meat-based meals for plantbased ones each week. Bogate vlaknima i biljnimproteinima, leblebije su novi karfiol Rich in fibres and plant proteins, chickpeas are the new cauliflower Foto: iStock/Count_kert
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