FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#13 - Flipbook - Page 20
EMERGING TRENDS IN WOMEN’S NUTRITION (2025)
PROTEIN FOCUS AND
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
High-Protein Foods:
Driven by research
showing women
(especially those
approaching
menopause) bene昀椀t
from higher protein to
maintain muscle mass
and metabolic function,
products like proteinenriched breads, snacks
and meal replacements
are proliferating.
Functional Foods:
Consumers increasingly
seek foods that provide
physiological bene昀椀ts
beyond basic nutrition,
such as plant sterols,
omega-3-forti昀椀ed
eggs, and probiotic
yoghurts, aligning with
the broader “processing
paradox” where
minimally processed yet
functionally enhanced
foods gain traction.
PLANT-BASED AND
ANCIENT NUTRITION
Plant-Based Diets:
A shift towards
plant-based eating
continues, not only
for environmental or
ethical reasons but also
for cardiovascular and
metabolic bene昀椀ts. In
Australia, 15 percent
of women identify as
vegetarian or vegan, up
from 10 percent in 2020.
Ancient Nutrition:
Organ meats (beef
liver, chicken hearts)
are resurging as
nutrient-dense options,
offering high levels of
iron, vitamin B12 and
vitamin A. Freeze-dried
organ powders simplify
incorporation into
smoothies and soups.
GUT MICROBIOME AND
HORMONAL HEALTH
Gut–Hormone Axis:
Emerging data suggest
that gut bacteria in昀氀uence
oestrogen metabolism,
impacting menstrual
health, mood and
menopausal symptoms.
Prebiotic 昀椀bres (inulin,
resistant starch) and
fermented foods (kimchi,
ke昀椀r) help cultivate
bene昀椀cial microbiota.
Personalised Nutrition:
Services offering gut
microbiome testing
and tailored dietary
recommendations
(e.g., precision
probiotics) are gaining
momewntum, especially
among women seeking
relief from menstrual
cramps, PMS or
menopausal hot 昀氀ashes.
SUSTAINABILITY AND
ETHICAL SOURCING
Local and Seasonal
Eating:
Women increasingly
prioritise foods that
are locally grown
and in season to
reduce carbon footprint
while maximizing
nutrient density.
Ethical Protein Sources:
Plant-based proteins
(legumes, nuts)
and sustainable
animal sources
(pasture-raised
eggs, MSC-certi昀椀ed
seafood) align with
concerns about
animal welfare and
environmental impact.
