Well & Good

Edible insects, activewear in the office and napping for exercise… They’re just some of the many trends set to be making their way onto the health scene this year. We take a closer look

- Monique Mckenzie

Move over turmeric lattes – chagaccinos will be your next go-to getting you through the morning rush. We’re decoding the weird and wonderful trends taking the wellness world by storm, from the latest interactive fitness trend to why ‘doga’ is the next big thing.

Health

1 NOOTROPICS There are currently few proven brainpower boosters, but that’s set to change thanks to a new supplement from India. Nootropics are naturally derived drugs that help cognitive function as they contain memory-enhancing and brain cell protecting compounds found in herbs such as ashwagandha. Nootropics include amino acids such as choline and tyrosine which help support the nervous system and reduce mental stress. You can buy them in a tablet form containing B vitamins and omega-3, helping protect the central nervous system from ageing.

2 ADAPTOGENS Long celebrated in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, adaptogens are plants and herbs that are said to modulate the body’s stress responses – and are now offered as vitamin supplements. Dubbed ‘stressed-out plants for stressed-out people’, adaptogens normalise hormones and promise sleep and anti-ageing benefits. Maca root is one adaptogen that is increasingly popular, often sold in powder form to add to drinks. Try an adaptogen shot, or blend a superfood and adaptogen powder with nut milk for an energy-boosting latte.

3 CANNABIDIOL A compound of marijuana, cannabidiol is proven to reduce anxiety and stress, lower inflammation and ease depression, PMS and insomnia symptoms – without the high. Labelled as the new coconut oil, cannabidiol is being infused into skincare products and tincture supplements as a way of getting the active ingredient into our bodies, although research is still being done to fully understand its benefits.

Exercise