Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO, Author at FoodTrients

July 30, 2024

A Guide to Choosing Produce: Dirty Dozen & the Clean 15

Do you shop by the ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen’? These lists that emerge each year raise pressing questions about what’s really in our carts and on our plates and how it may be affecting our health. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is the organization that releases a report each year, offering guidance about which types of produce are most likely to be contaminated with pesticides and which have the lowest rates during testing. This group is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. These lists categorize fruits and vegetables based on the level of […]

July 30, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Are Supplements Safe for You?

This is Part -2 in our 4-part series on dietary supplements. This week we take a look at FDA regulations, certification, and other safety considerations. If you’re going to take supplements, it’s important to know what to take and what’s safe. Dietary supplements aren’t regulated in the same way as prescriptions and food in the US but that doesn’t mean they’re innately unsafe. There are ways to find quality supplements including looking at the raw products used to create your vitamins, seeking certain third-party certifications, and making sure what you are looking at is safe for your unique needs (like […]

July 14, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Do You Need to Take Supplements?

This month FoodTrients writer and nutritionist Ginger Hultin begins her four-part series on vitamins. Part 1 explores the pros and cons of taking supplements. If you have questions about supplements, we’ve got answers to this complex and sometimes confusing topic. The world of supplements is regulated in unique ways that can very much affect your health and pocketbook, too. Some companies offer health promises about supplement products that sound enticing but understanding what’s evidence-based and what isn’t can be a huge challenge. FoodTrients® is here to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of the supplement world, if any […]

July 14, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

5 Amazing Age-Better Foods To Add To Your Diet

Food is Medicine! And some foods can provide benefits that will aid in healthy aging. Antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber support the body in many ways including optimizing longevity and wellness. Check out these 5 foods that can make you look and feel more vibrant today as FoodTrients discusses why you should incorporate them into your diet. PINK GRAPEFRUIT All citrus contains antioxidants, fiber and anti-aging compounds like vitamin C but pink grapefruit has some special benefits to offer. Antioxidant spermidine has shown positive results in some animal studies for longevity and in support of healthy cells. A […]

June 17, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Top 4 Lab Tests Men Age 50+ Need to Monitor

Maintaining optimal health through nutrition becomes increasingly important as men get older, especially after age 50. This age marks a period when the body starts to experience significant changes and risk of chronic diseases goes up, necessitating closer attention to nutritional status and overall health. Regularly monitoring specific lab tests can offer insights into your nutritional health, aiding in early detection and management of potential deficiencies or imbalances. Whether you’re a male aged 50+ or you have someone in your life that you care about who is, this period of time is critical for looking ahead to a healthy, happy […]

June 17, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Top 50 Foods To Support Healthy Weight

Controlling your weight isn’t about not eating. . . it’s about eating the right kinds of foods. Studies show us which foods people eat when they have successfully lost weight and kept it off long-term. It’s probably no surprise that these foods are rich in nutrients, low in calories, and high in fiber and water. If your goal is reaching or maintaining a healthy weight for your body, there is a lot you can do. Aside from meeting your physical activity needs, getting enough sleep and controlling your stress, here are the top 50 FoodTrients foods to help support your […]

May 20, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Loma Linda Is Hot ‘Blue Zone’ for Longevity

This is the second part in our 5-part series (Part 1: Okinawans Know the Secrets of Long Life) 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? Loma Linda is a city within San Bernardino County, California, with just over 24,000 residents. It is considered a “Blue Zone” and is one of five regions in the world where the population has notably exceptional longevity. Loma Linda is a unique […]

May 20, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Heart Health: Top 5 Foods for Blood Pressure

Hypertension, a common cardiovascular concern affecting 1.3 billion people worldwide, is also called high blood pressure. It’s a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management with a focus on preventive care. While medication plays a crucial role, dietary choices can significantly impact your blood pressure levels and should be a first line treatment. In this article, we explore five Foodtrients® foods that provide blood pressure management benefits that you can start incorporating today! Before we dive into the foods you should be including, be sure that you have a plan to know your numbers and have meaningful discussions with […]

April 23, 2024

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Women’s Health Over 50: Top 4 Labs You Need

Women’s health is a complex topic, especially as you age. A crucial area of focus for overall health and preventing chronic diseases is your nutritional status. If you are a woman over the age of 50, or you have someone in your life who is, it is important to stay up to date on labs that help indicate your health and nutrition status. As women age, the body experiences significant changes, including hormonal shifts, leading to a higher risk for chronic health issues. Consistently monitoring certain labs can offer insights into your health and guide you to prevent nutritional imbalances […]