Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO, Author at FoodTrients

October 25, 2022

What Foods and Vitamins Help Your Eyes?

Eyesight is a critical sense to protect, especially as a person ages. Macular degeneration, cataracts and other age-related deterioration of the eyes are real concerns. You may have heard suggestions such as “eat more carrots to improve your eyesight” or seen supplements targeted towards eye health. Does diet make a difference and are supplements indicated? Read on to learn more about foods and supplements for healthy aging of the eyes. The vitamin with the largest body of research in support of eyesight is vitamin A; likely the reason you’ve been told to eat your carrots as a child. Orange vegetables […]

September 25, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Okinawans Know the Secrets of Long Life

This is the first in our 5-part series on life in the “Blue Zones,” where people live longer, healthy lives. Each part will look into the diets and lifestyles of the areas where longevity is a normal part of aging better. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets? Okinawa has a population that has been researched in-depth due to the fact that it’s been ranked as one of the top life expectancy locations in the world for several years in a row. The island of Okinawa, off the coast of Japan, is considered a “Blue Zone” which is a geographical […]

August 30, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Beneficial Saffron Is the ‘Queen of Spices’

Saffron is a spice sometimes referred to as “red gold” or “the queen of spices” with some impressive potential health benefits. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world, mostly due to its costly production and labor-intensive harvesting process. Saffron originated in the Mediterranean region and has long been used as a traditional spice, coloring agent, and medicine. In addition to adding a vibrant golden color to dishes, saffron adds a subtly sweet and floral flavor. Many of saffron’s health benefits stem back to its high levels of three powerful antioxidants which may play an important role […]

July 19, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Can Supplements Help Certain Health Conditions?

There are many supplements on the market that promise to help improve health, but do they really work? And are they worth the money? In this, the fourth and final piece of the FoodTrients supplements series, we will take a look at some of the most common supplements and their purported benefits. We will also discuss whether getting nutrients from food or supplements is more beneficial for your body so that you get all the answers to whether or not supplements can support you for certain common health conditions. Keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the FDA […]

June 11, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Variety Is the Spice of India’s Powerful Flavors

India is home to a wide variety of foods and cuisines based on region and culture. Northern regions often consume aromatic, savory gravies, stir-fries, and flatbreads, Southern regions incorporate rice, lentils, tomato and tamarind into their dishes, and those living on the coast eat seafood, rice, and coconut-based foods (very generally speaking). Many people in India are vegetarians while others regularly eat mutton and chicken. One theme seen throughout this country is the incorporation of spices while cooking. Not only do the spices provide powerful flavoring, but they provide some great medicinal uses as well. Indian cuisine is known for […]

February 12, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Caribbean Has a Delicious Spice History

The Caribbean region has long been described as a melting pot, with many cultures and ethnicities represented. The region is made up of over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and is home to more than 43 million people. The cultural diversity present in this region is reflected in its cuisine with influences from African, Creole, Cajun, Amerindian, European, Latin American, Indian/South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures. African culture has left a lasting mark in Caribbean history bringing music, dance, cuisine, and customs while the region was under colonial rule. This influence has undeniably shaped the Caribbean into what […]

February 10, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Medicinal Mushrooms: The Top 5 To Fight Cancer

Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional cuisine and medicine. Medicinal mushrooms have many health promoting compounds that work to help fight disease and have been shown to have cancer fighting properties as well. Mushrooms have high levels of antioxidants which can help protect healthy tissues and prevent cell damage, that is a hallmark of cancer and how it progresses. Mushrooms also have immune boosting properties that can help improve the body’s response to stress, infection and other damage. They also have essential nutrients like special types of fiber, minerals, protein and vitamins to support optimal health. […]

January 29, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Savory Flavors of Southeast Asia

This area of the world covers a large geographical area and many unique cultures that have some commonality of herbs and spices in their cuisine style. Southeast Asia actually includes 11 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though there are important differences between all of these countries, and cultures within each as well, common culinary threads can be found in the food. This is a hot and humid part of the world and so lightly prepared dishes made of vegetables, rice and broth are staples. Flavors like citrus, mint, and other herbs offer […]

December 8, 2021

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

3 Holiday Spices with Health Benefits

The fall and winter holidays are filled with traditional foods and dishes from cultures around the world and some of the most commonly used seasonings aren’t even native to North America. During the holiday season, it is common to see three major spices being used in a wide variety of recipes: allspice, cloves, and vanilla. Did you know that beyond their delicious flavor profiles and aromas, these holiday spices are packed with health benefits? Be sure to use herbs and spices to support your health goals this season. Here’s how to use them in the kitchen and for your health: […]