Put a pin in it: The chart topping health tips shared on social media
The social media site used by hundreds of millions of inspiration-hungry shoppers has revealed an end of year report on the favoured fashions of 2018.
It reveals that searches for ‘self care’ have increased 140%, complimented by a 475% increase in searches for ‘nutrition plans’ - providing just a glimpse at how enticing online health tips have become.
Respect Your Elders
The popularity of elderberries is on the rise thanks to their healthy and anti-inflammatory effects, with searches for elderberry recipes increasing by a whopping 685%.
This berry is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world thanks to their particularly rich flavonoid and anthocyanin content which are said to help fight the common cold, as well as bladder infections, allergies and digestive health issues.
This humble berry has even been linked with neuronal and cognitive functions and a Norwegian study has also found the polyphenolic extracts may also help with blood glucose management.
The Mighty Mushroom
Nutrient-packed mushrooms are springing up everywhere from coffee drinks to chocolate bars and Pinterest searches for mushroom recipes are up 64%.
Mushrooms are widely acknowledged to contain numerous bioactive compounds that have positive health effects on the body, including immuno-modulating, anti-tumour, hypocholesteral and anti-bacterial properties, as well as cardiovascular health benefits.
Investigations have found that eating mushrooms may even help to delay or prevent the onset of neurological conditions like depression.
Inspired Infusions
Searches for 'ginger water' have come pouring in, with a 233% increase, as shoppers look to benefit from the digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits of the root.
A study in China has found that daily consumption of ginger could reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.
The growing interest in ginger could also be partly due to the consumer trend towards food and drink that helps fight the signs of ageing, as reported by Mintel just a few weeks ago. The report states that foods, such as ginger, that promote a healthy brain function are likely to gain more interest going forward into 2019.
Getting very sleepy...hopefully
Searches for sleep optimisation have increased by 116% as people search for the best techniques for getting as superb sleep. Pinterest searches suggest the number of people keeping sleep logs is on the rise as consumers become ultra-aware of how important their sleep is to their health.
This search trend is in-line with a findings from Mintel showing that consumers want food and rink that can improve their holistic health, including their ability to relax, unwind and sleep, when appropriate.
This trend for sleep logs also links well with our recent report outlining the view that sleep patterns should be brought into weight loss plans in order to help people eat at the optimum times according to their circadian clocks.
