L. Fang
With the coronavirus pandemic still looming over everyone, a health trend that has been with us for the past 15-20 years has picked up a renewed life.
The target now is the immune system. Since 70% of our immune system is mucosal tissue that lines our gastrointestinal system, all food and drink that we as humans consume becomes a great vehicle to boost our immune system.
The general public has had more time at home to research and try new items that will help increase their own immunities. Consumers have been using this time to discover, create and try new foods and beverages that will help with what they believe will prevent Covid-19, while increasing their overall health in general terms. A category that seems to be emerging stronger from the creation of these home recipes: mocktails.
“This is a trend that will continue to grow, especially with the trend of Gen Zers consuming 20% less alcohol compared to others.”
Mocktails are non-alcoholic alternative to traditional alcohol-forward cocktails that are perceived as healthier and can contain ingredients that naturally increases ones’ immune system. They could have fresh fruits and vegetables, some use Kombucha (which is a fermented black or green tea). More and more mocktails are popping up in multi-unit establishments, white tablecloth restaurants, and take-out places every day. This is a trend that will continue to grow, especially with the trend of Gen Zers consuming 20% less alcohol compared to others.
Kombucha can be used as a mixer or the base of virtually any drink.
In these mocktails, many people are adding ingredients to boost the immune system. They seek ingredients like Kombucha which have vitamins B, C and other immune boosting ingredients as a prophylactic for diseases. Mocktails are becoming the go to drinks for people seeking healthier beverages and a trendy thing for people to do.
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a great addition to ones diet.
Marketing and trend seekers are using these ideas to come out with new and innovative products. They are keeping to home comfort foods and adding probiotics for a healthier digestive system, olive oil for hearth health, vitamin C and high levels of garlic for an increase in the immune system.
As for myself, I will always add a little more garlic to my pizza, drink more green tea, add turmeric into my chai, and hope to get that extra to boost my immune system to keep me safe from any new disease cases that may pop up.