Health Hotline Magazine | January 2022

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A New Look at Metabolism

We’ve long been taught that after our twenties, our metabolism begins its inevitable decline, and with that comes a di cult balancing act to avoid weight gain for the rest of our lives. However, a new study published in the journal Science shows that metabolic rate doesn’t decline as early as we thought. Instead our metabolism plateaus from our 20s to our 50s and doesn’t decline until well into our 60s and 70s. This has caused a significant paradigm shift because it means we have so much more control over our metabolism than previously thought. But with this control comes responsibility. This is why in 2022 we’ll see an increased demand for products and lifestyle habits that help maintain metabolism by preserving muscle mass and supporting mitochondrial health. Supplements like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), acetyl-L-carnitine, CoQ10, and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) will grow in popularity. Additionally, we will shift our physical activities toward healthspan-promoting exercises like yoga, strength training, and walking, while mood-boosting exercises like forest bathing will continue to rise in popularity. TRY THIS TREND: Include healthy protein-rich recipes like this one in your diet and learn how to incorporate amino acid supplements into your exercise routine. Take your shoes o and walk in the grass, feel the ground beneath your feet, reconnect to the earth.

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While more Americans than ever are buying and taking dietary supplements, they want authenticity in their shopping experience. This includes factors like a knowledgeable sta , an ethos behind the business, and an authentic physical shopping experience, where they can build personal relationships and trust in the quality of the supplements being sold to them. Now, more than ever, shoppers are on a mission to find supplements from trusted manufacturers and retailers (and are also savvy to the idea that you can’t trust everything on the internet!). Shoppers are increasingly relying on brick-and-mortar retailers to do thorough product research to screen out potentially unsafe and low-quality products, which just doesn’t happen at large online marketplaces. Finding a supplement retailer who will have your back when it comes to quality, stand by the products they carry, and always fight for your access to dietary supplements is not hard (hint, hint). TRY THIS TREND: BONUS: Shoppers Turn to Brick-and-Mortar Stores to Buy Their Supplements

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Virtual Wellness Is Here to Stay

The COVID-19 pandemic launched our world into virtual everything: virtual therapy, virtual meetings, virtual school. Even when the pandemic is over, virtual wellness isn’t go- ing away and we will continue to seek services that we’re able to access from the comfort of our homes. The only thing better than a virtual wellness service is a Natural Grocers’ FREE virtual nutrition health coaching session. Ready to finally kick start your specific health journey? Give our nutrition experts a shot! TRY THIS TREND: Schedule a free virtual nutrition health coaching session with a Natural Grocers’ Nutritional Health Coach.

naturalgrocers.com/virtual-coaching

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Flavor Meets Function in the Kitchen

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We know that herbs and spices make our food more flavorful, and now we’re learning that those herbs and spices that make our food taste so delicious also make it healthier. This is a trend on flavor that highlights the growing demand for functional ingredients, spices, and herbs that increase both the flavor and nutritional value of our favorite foods. In 2022 ingredients like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary will take center stage in the kitchen, not just because they add wonderful flavor, but because they are also chock-full of health-supportive properties. TRY THIS TREND: Load up your spice cabinet with Natural Grocers’ organic bulk herbs & spices and explore naturalgrocers.com/recipe-finder for plenty of delicious recipe ideas. For an easy start, try our Indian-Inspired Vegan Lentil Stew on page 27. It’s full of delicious and good4u spices!

This one is easy! Buy your supplements from Natural Grocers, where you’ll always be met with a smile, a knowledgeable Crew, and the confidence that you are getting the best quality supplements around. For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com

12 | Health Hotline ®