Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO, Author at FoodTrients

April 24, 2023

Antioxidants Help Slow Down Premature Aging

Antioxidants have multiple roles in the body and one of the most studied is the ability to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a natural process and a result of cells doing their jobs, whether that is creating energy, detoxifying the body, digesting food, breathing, thinking, or exercising. If the balance of oxidative stress gets too high it can cause damage to cells. This is where antioxidants come in; they protect your cells, preventing and repairing damage caused by oxidative stress. This balance is what keeps cells healthy and prevents damage that comes along naturally with living and aging. The […]

April 11, 2023

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Ashwagandha: Fights Aging, Stress and Disease

Ashwagandha, a traditional Ayurvedic herb that is used for conditions ranging from arthritis and anxiety to liver disease and sleep issues, is trending strongly in the natural products market. Known for its powers of helping the body adapt to stress in the environment, ashwagandha supports the immune system and may help reduce inflammation. Because of the ability to help the body achieve self-regulatory balance within various systems, this herb is often used to prevent the effects of aging and to treat systemic or hormonal conditions such as fibromyalgia or fertility disorders. With clinical trials as evidence for the efficacy of […]

March 14, 2023

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Can MSM Ease the Pain of Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 18% of women and 10% of men over the age of 60 years worldwide. Given how common this disease is and the fact that it causes significant chronic disability due to joint degeneration and reduced mobility, supplements for osteoarthritis are hugely popular with an estimated 30%+ of individuals seeking natural products for joint pain. You probably haven’t heard of Methylsulfonylmethane but you may have heard of “MSM” and usually this supplement is suggested for joint pain. MSM is used for a variety of chronic pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, […]

February 14, 2023

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Top 50 Foods for Beautiful, Healthy Skin

As winter continues, dry, red, flaky skin abounds in the cold weather. The good news is that diet plays a major role in supporting your skin health. Foods that are good for your skin help to hydrate and guard from environmental damage. Beneficial foods contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being hydrating and supporting wound healing. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods for your skin with a holistic view of the many factors that support our largest organ. 1. Arugula This bitter veggie contains nutrients critical for the skin. Arugula is actually a […]

January 30, 2023

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Centenarians Abound in Isolated Nicoya

This is the last of our 5-part series on life in the “Blue Zones,” where people live longer, healthy lives. Each part looks 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? Nicoya is an 80-mile peninsula located in the northeastern part of Costa Rica. This isolated area has a high population of centenarians and has been classified as a “Blue Zone” — a geographical region that has a significantly higher proportion of long-lived individuals compared to averages around the world. Nutrition plays a significant […]

January 3, 2023

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Greek Island Ikaria Is a Longevity Hot Spot

This is the fourth 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? Ikaria is a beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea and is home to residents living eight-to-10 years longer than the average American (and with significantly less health complications). It is one of five “Blue Zones” in the world — a geographical region that is a longevity hot spot. A study done in 2013 […]

December 4, 2022

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

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

Top 50 Foods You Need for Bone Health

Bone health is an under-appreciated aspect of beauty, longevity and living a vibrant life. Often, adults aren’t tested for bone density until they’re at an older age when the state of our bones should be top of mind early on. Bone loss including osteoporosis affects men and women and leads to fractures and other health problems. Foods that contain certain minerals including calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K have proven critical for optimizing bone health long-term which is why these foods top the list of 50 foods critical for bone health. This is an important focus starting…now! 1. […]