Lola Ross on the health trends for 2018

Alternative (non-dairy) yoghurts

From an ethical and environmental point of view, it certainly makes sense to vary what we eat so that we reduce the strain on industrial farming. In terms of health, dairy can alter the pH in our body, and contains saturated fats. Many people may be intolerant to dairy without knowing it. We can get calcium from fortified plant yoghurts like coconut, so we don’t have to rely solely on dairy yoghurt. Coyo coconut yoghurt is my favourite.

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Moringa powder

Moringa leaf powder is a great plant supplement due to the fact that a very small amount contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies show that moringa may be involved in reducing inflammatory mediators in rheumatoid arthritis, so it may be good for people with inflammatory conditions like eczema. I use moringa in salad dressings, soups and smoothies.

Golden milk

Golden milk is an Ayurvedic warm drink often made with plant milks, turmeric, ginger, cardamom and other spices – Wunder Workshop makes an amazing blend. The mineral and antioxidant-rich turmeric can give the enlivening feeling of caffeine but without adrenal-draining side effects. It is definitely a great coffee alternative for my patients who are not drinking coffee during an elimination diet or trying to quit.

Kombucha

Fermented foods are good for our gut health, so I love the fermented nature of kombucha and its probiotic goodness. When I am in LA I tend to drink it daily as its available everywhere and keeps my microorganisms happy.

Charcoal drinks and capsules

Charcoal is a chelator, which means that it can absorb toxic heavy metals from the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the metals from being stored in the body. So in theory, activated charcoal can support detoxification. The amount of activated charcoal contained in shop-bought drinks will vary between brands, so you may find taking it in capsule form more effective. I use activated charcoal in my water jug to clean tap water and occasionally take a capsule if I am feeling bloated.

Spices

I love spices because they replace the need for salt for flavour, they add colour and also many of them have incredible medicinal properties such as the antioxidant curcuminoid compounds contained in turmeric. My current favourite is Grains of Paradise – a black pepper with an aromatic twist. It is used a lot in West African cooking and known in African folklore as a digestive aid.

LOLA ROSS is a London-based nutritionist and co-founder of digital platform Moody, a digital ecosystem for hormones, cycles and moods. lolaross.com