Five freaky fitness foods

Would you eat a protein packed cricket post workout? Photo / Thinkstock

As health junkies clamour for their next hit of breast milk, the latest fitness trend to sweep the world for its supposed immune system and nutritional benefits, some are already asking - "what's next?"

Here are five other weird fitness food trends to try.

Crickets

Crickets are one of the latest healthy trends sweeping the US, a sought after snack for their high protein, iron and calcium content. According to research the insects contain 69 per cent protein - more than double that of chicken breast or sirloin steak. Crickets, alleged to have a 'nutty' flavour, can be consumed in a variety of ways, from flour - touted as the new protein powder - to protein bars, or simply dried on their own.

Bones

Bones are making a comeback, and bone broth - made by boiling animal bones until they disintegrate and release all their hidden nutrients and proteins - is one of the healthiest liquid trends going. "It's hydrating, contains veggie and herb anti-inflammatories and the bones provide collagen, a protein which may help with our own bone, joint and skin health", dietician Jackson Blatner told the Huffington Post.

Artichoke water

If you're tired of coconut water and can't stomach a cup of bone broth, artichoke water could be the next refreshing trend. The California-based Arty Water claims the drink helps "reduce increased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers after exercise", and is generally overflowing with essential vitamins and minerals.

Clay shots

The Fault in Our Stars actress Shailene Woodley shocked everybody in the world last year when she revealed she eats clay - describing the earthy delicacy as "one of the best things you can put into your body." The benefits of clay as a detoxifier are widely used in skincare, but the idea that ingesting it to cleanse your insides has been largely dismissed as unnecessary and possibly harmful by health experts.

Brain fans describe the taste as similar to pork liver and the consistency as akin to fluffy scrambled eggs. Photo / Thinkstock

Brains

If you're craving a high-protein, healthy fat, vitamin and mineral-enriched fix, a lovely plate of beef brains could be just the ticket. Brain fans describe the taste as similar to pork liver and the consistency as akin to fluffy scrambled eggs. A portion of brains promises to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, boost the immune system, keep muscle tissue healthy and - perhaps unsurprisingly - help healthy brain function.

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