Skip to content

Category: American history

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What was the diet of the mountain men?

4 min read
Mountain men often consumed between 5 to 7 pounds of meat a day to sustain their strenuous lifestyle, a key part of what was the diet of the mountain men. This meat-heavy intake was essential for survival in the rugged, unpredictable wilderness of the American West, where food sources could be abundant or perilously scarce.

What is a Phosphate at an Ice Cream Shop?

4 min read
Invented in the late 1800s, phosphates were once a staple of the American soda fountain, served in pharmacies and ice cream shops across the country. These retro beverages offered a refreshing, tart alternative to sweeter sodas and dairy-based concoctions.

Understanding the Diverse Characteristics of American Food

4 min read
Did you know that an estimated 350 slices of pizza, a classic "Americanized" Italian dish, are eaten every second in the US? This popular food item hints at a key truth: American food is a vast, ever-evolving mosaic shaped by immigrant traditions, regional differences, and a distinctive culture of convenience.

How Much Sugar Did the Average American Consume 100 Years Ago?

4 min read
A century ago, around 1925, the average American consumed roughly 90 pounds of sugar annually, a figure that dramatically showcases the vast differences in dietary habits over time. This historical snapshot provides crucial context for understanding how much sugar did the average American consume 100 years ago, highlighting a less-industrialized food system.

What is Ashela Food? Exploring the Choctaw Dish

5 min read
According to Native American foodways experts, traditional Choctaw food like ashela has its roots in utilizing the wild resources of the forest and prairie. This article explores what is ashela food, detailing its history and place within the vibrant cuisine of the Choctaw people.

Why Do Most Americans Drink Coffee Instead of Tea?

5 min read
According to the National Coffee Association, 63% of American adults consume coffee daily, far surpassing regular tea consumption. This preference is rooted in a complex history, evolving cultural norms, and a lifestyle that favors coffee's stimulating kick. Understanding this long-standing habit requires looking beyond simple taste preferences to explore the historical events and economic factors that solidified coffee's place in American society.

Yaupon Holly: The Only Caffeinated Plant Native to the US

4 min read
For over 8,000 years, Indigenous peoples in the southeastern United States brewed tea from the leaves of a native holly tree. This plant, known as yaupon holly, holds the unique distinction of being the only caffeinated plant native to the United States. Despite its ancient heritage and recent resurgence, its story remains largely unknown to the general public.

How much sugar did the average American eat in 1900?

4 min read
In 1900, the average American consumed approximately 90 pounds of sugar annually, a dramatic increase from previous centuries. This astonishing figure reveals just how much sugar did the average American eat in 1900 and marks a significant turning point in the nation's dietary history.

Why do the US eat dinner so early?

4 min read
With the average US dinner time clocking in around 6:22 p.m., the uniquely early dining habit of many Americans often surprises international visitors. But this tradition isn't accidental; it’s a modern convention shaped by centuries of historical, cultural, and societal factors that explain why do the US eat dinner so early.