As everyone starts making their New Year’s resolutions for 2018, let’s take a look back over the past 12 months and consider some of the health crazes that stormed the world in 2017. Whether it was the way we eat or the way we work out, there was a craze for every aspect of our health.
We have never been immune from health crazes. From indigenous communities that eat brains to make them smarter, to Instagram bloggers blending their meals, we always find new and creative ways to improve or alter our lifestyle. For better or worse.
Over the course of 2017, we have seen some interesting and sophisticated health crazes. Some have been debunked as rubbish but others have broken new ground in terms of changing the way we live.
Here are some of the best health crazes we saw in 2017 and what they brought to the table (literally in some cases).
Turmeric
This might seem like a weird and slightly dull health craze but turmeric dominated the culinary scene in 2017. This incredible little spice contains a substance called curcumin, which boasts some impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are proven to reduce the risk of a number of oxidative damage related diseases. They also help you age better. The spice itself is bright yellow and is used in curries and other dishes to enhance the colour.
Poke
If you haven’t come across poke yet then stop reading right now and google your nearest purveyor of poke. All done? Right, now you may read on. This incredible Hawaiian-Japanese fusion dish consists of white or brown rice and raw fish topped with anything from edamame beans to mango to kimchi cucumber. The dish is then smothered with delicious spicy sauce and served cold. It has been lauded by health fanatics for its low-fat, high protein qualities. It also tastes ridiculously good. This is a health craze even the most sceptical eater will love.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is not sitting in someone’s office crying as a means of therapy. Although, maybe that will become a health craze in 2018. Increasingly popular in the U.S., cryotherapy involves exposing the body to incredibly cold temperatures for a short amount of time. An individual will step into a special chamber set to about -200 degrees Fahrenheit (-129 degrees Celsius) for about 2 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the skin drops, which encourages cell regeneration and increases circulation. Apparently.
Mindbody Workouts
2017 was the year we realised that exercise is not just about getting your body in good condition, but also about improving your mental well being. Being aware of your mind body is said to increase your concentration and to relieve stress. It involves focusing on the present by thinking about your breathing and how we use our energy. Mindfulness has always been a big part of Eastern physical activities such as yoga and pilates but now we see it branching out into other sports, including boxing and jogging.
