Wellness at Wilkes: 2018 healthy drink trends

New health and fitness trends are always surfacing whether they are dieting trends or generaltips to live a healthier lifestyle. Drinks in particular has pervaded the health trend scene when it comes to juice, coffee, tea, and lattes.

1. Celery Juice Trend

Celery juice has become popular on social media recently with many claiming that drinking it first thing in the morning will aid in digestion, migraines, inflammation, asthma, blood pressure, cravings and potentially reducing the risk for cancer. Celery by itself is low in calories, readily available and can provide our bodies with fiber, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

It is not known what the recommended amount of celery juice would be, though many say that 16 oz of celery juice would provide optimal nutritional benefit. A counterpoint to the juicing is that you could get all of these benefits by just eating raw celery so is it worth the time and hassle of juicing it? There is not a lot of scientific evidence to say that this juice is going to definitively help with the various health issues mentioned but if you have have a blender or juicer it might be worth a try.

2. Bulletproof Coffee

Have you ever thought that butter in your morning coffee would give you mental clarity while still aiding in weight loss? David Asprey did and in 2013 he founded Bulletproof Coffee and it has only increased in popularity since then. The drink is a mixture of butter, MCT oil or coconut oil, and coffee. Asprey recommends using low-mold coffee beans, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride oil.

The purpose of adding these ingredients to your morning coffee is because grass-fed butter has the omega-3s and other vitamins. The MCT oil or coconut oil has fats that will keep you full and energized. This new coffee craze is high in calories so that is something to keep in mind when trying it. There are also some arguments that Bulletproof coffee alone does not have enough nutrients to be a whole breakfast replacement but that may be different for each person that is willing to try this.

How to make Bulletproof Coffee at home:

1 cup water

3 tablespoons coffee

1 tablespoon grass-fed butter

1 tablespoon coconut oil

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow colored herb in the ginger family that comes from a plant called Curcuma longa and it has gained popularity because of its vast amount of health benefits. Turmeric can help your body in many ways. It helps your immune system, gut health, brain function and helps fight against inflammation and joint pain.

For those of us feeling the stress of the new school year, turmeric has also been reported to help boost your mood and lower depression. Starting at a lower amount of turmeric, 1-2 teaspoonfuls and increasing is a good rule to follow. Many people that have tried this superfood recommend using it in tea or lattes but it can be used in just about anything.

There can also be a few side effects that result from using turmeric. If you start to get an upset stomach, nausea or dizziness it is recommended to lower the amount you are taking and consult a doctor. For those you that are up for trying new health trends, turmeric might be just the thing for you.

Tips for using turmeric:

Tea is the most popular and efficient way to use turmeric. It’s recommended that for 4 cups of water you use 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric for just the right flavor.

Blend 1 teaspoon into a smoothie can give you just the right amount of flavor and health benefits.

1 to 2 teaspoons in soup, curry, or stew will add a nice golden color to it!

We all know mac and cheese is a college staple and adding just ¼ teaspoon will give it a healthy boost.