Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO, Author at FoodTrients

December 4, 2022

Our NAUGHTY and NICE Holiday Food List

The winter holidays are a time for eating delicious food and spending time with friends and family. Studies show that a small weight gain is common during this festive time. No one food or beverage is good or bad, but some have more healthier properties than others. See the 5 winter holiday foods to indulge in this year and the 5 to reduce your consumption of to optimize happy and healthy festivities this year. Don’t forget other ways of taking care of yourself this busy season; fitness, sleep and stress management play a role in enjoying the holiday season as well! […]

December 4, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Sardinia: Another Blue Zone for Longevity

This is the third part in our 5-part 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? Sardinia is one of five “Blue Zones” — a concept first introduced in the early 2000s and defined as an area in which the population has exceptionally low rates of chronic disease and individuals known to outlive those in other parts of the world. Sardinia is the second largest Italian island and sits in […]

October 25, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

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. […]