A Key Ally for a Strong Immune System: Mindful Eating with Natural Ingredients
* Lilia Kawazoe
Healthy eating has become a major topic of discussion in recent years. However, the emergence of the novel coronavirus has brought renewed attention to the importance of supporting the immune system during quarantine.
Social isolation can lead to overeating, making mindful eating especially important for supporting the immune system and helping the body stay resilient and better equipped to fight off illness.
However, healthy eating is nothing new to Brazilians. According to research by Euromonitor International, Brazil has ranked fifth worldwide in sales of healthy food and beverages since 2018.
These figures highlight the need for the industry to step up product development to meet growing consumer demand. This means using ingredients with high nutritional value, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and omega fatty acids.
During this uncertain and stressful period of quarantine, consumers are increasingly reaching for indulgent products when shopping. But it is possible to combine convenience and healthfulness with indulgent foods. Healthy products should taste good, too. One effective strategy is to incorporate less processed ingredients into formulations, such as organic-certified liquid demerara or muscovado sugar, which retains sugarcane’s naturally occurring minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron.
Another noteworthy example is the natural omega fatty acids and vitamins found in vegetable oils. Both are essential nutrients that help support immune function. During quarantine, poor sleep and a lack of physical activity can make it even more important to maintain a balanced diet that supports the immune system. The vegetable oil category offers a wide range of options, from traditional to more exotic varieties, including Brazil Nut Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Licuri Oil, Sacha Inchi Oil, Toasted Babaçu Oil, Passion Fruit Oil, and Açaí Oil. Beyond their health benefits, these ingredients also reflect a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, helping conserve forests and support local communities with every use. Free from chemical additives and solvents, these oils are suitable for a variety of food industry applications, from breads, cakes, and sweets, or even used directly in salads.
There is no doubt that healthy eating is essential, especially during times like these. The good news is that ingredient suppliers are already offering solutions that can help food manufacturers meet the challenge of developing healthier products without compromising on taste.
*Lilia Kawazoe is Commercial Manager at Concepta Ingredients, a business unit of Sabará Group dedicated to developing natural and technology-driven solutions, with a focus on healthy, natural, and organic ingredients for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, and veterinary pharmaceutical industries.
