On the Menu: Navigating food and nutrition trends

Liz Weber is a Registered Dietitian at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. Today’s “On the Menu” segment helps navigate through the latest food and nutrition trends. The latest trends on the scene include matcha green tea powder, beetroot powder, spirulina, and activated charcoal. But are these foods or products worth your money and which ones may actually be healthy for you? Follow this true or false guide with explanation on which trends are worth your attention.

True or False

Beetroot powder vs. whole beets

Beetroot powder has the same amount of fiber per serving as a whole beet.

True. However; this depends on the brand. Because beetroot powder is a supplement, the purity of the product may not be created equal due to lack of FDA regulations. When you are looking for the best beetroot powder, aim for at least 2 grams of fiber per serving (generally 2 tsp-1 Tbsp powder). Try adding the powder to smoothies, baked goods, pasta sauces, salad dressing, dips, and soups.