The document discusses how consumer interest in health and natural products has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. Retailers are reporting big increases in demand for food supplements, healthy foods, and essential oils as consumers try to boost their immune systems. Specialist organic food shops have seen sales increases of over 40 percent. The demand for these types of products is expected to remain high. The document also provides examples of essential oils used in foods and their potential health benefits.

1. Food is
medicine;
Medicine is
Food
Presentation by
Primary Information Services
www.primaryinfo.com

2. The coronavirus has
increased consumer interest
in health and natural
products. Retailers across
Europe are reporting a big
increase in the demand for
food supplements, healthy
foods and essential oils.
Consumers are trying to
boost their immune systems.

3. Food supplements are in demand as
they provide vital minerals and vitamins
that can help protect the body from
viruses
Specialist organic food shops have
reported sales increases of over 40
percent
The demand for food supplements,
healthy foods and natural products
should remain high

4. Europe
The following websites provide information on the
effect of the coronavirus crisis
Food Supplements Europe represents the interests
of the European food supplement industry.
The European Federation of Associations of Health
Product Manufacturers represents specialist health
product manufacturers in Europe.
The European Federation of Essential Oils is the
voice for essential oil & related products in Europe.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
represents the international fragrance industry.
NutraIngredients provides news on supplements,
nutrition trends and developments.
The European Flavour and Fragrance Association
(EFFA) has information on COVID-19.

5. There is a large variety in
the types of essential oils
that are used in food
100 essential oils are being offered on
the market; for example:
geranium oil (flowers)
cumin oil (seeds)
angelica oil (roots)
cardamom oil (seeds)
parsley oil (seeds or herbs)
peppermint oil (leaves)
orange oil (peels)
cinnamon oil (bark and leaves)
nutmeg oil (nuts)
sandalwood oil (woods)

6. Essential oils can also have
antibacterial or antifungal benefits used
in medical settings. Many oils, when
massaged on the skin, can help treat
skin conditions, such as burns, cuts and
scrapes. Others may help boost the
immune system, help with insomnia and
aid with digestion.

7. Ethnic foods are gaining
popularity
Ethnic foods are gaining
popularity worldwide, including in
Europe. Indian, Thai and Mexican
food are some of the most popular
international flavours.
Spice and herb essential oils are
interesting ingredients for food
manufacturers to create such
ethnic foods. For example, food
manufacturers can use coriander
leaf oil to mimic the use of fresh
coriander leaves.

8. Foodmanufacturers
increasinglyusegums
toreplacefats
Various gums (e.g. acacia gum (gum
arabic) and guar gum) contain soluble
dietary fibres, which are indigestible
parts of gums

9. Foods with powerful medicinal properties
Spices. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are packed with
beneficial plant compounds. For example, studies note that turmeric helps
treat arthritis and metabolic syndrome
Herbs. Herbs like parsley, oregano, rosemary, and sage not only provide
natural flavor to dishes but also boast many health-promoting compounds
Berries, cruciferous vegetables, fatty fish, and mushrooms are just a selection of
the foods that offer powerful medicinal properties.