Tag: Historical health

Spanish sailors in the 1500s noticed that crews who ate potatoes were less likely to suffer from scurvy, a severe vitamin C deficiency. This observation cemented the potato's historical role as a valuable antiscorbutic food source. This article explores how exactly are potatoes good for scurvy and provides details on their nutritional value.

Men in the 1950s consumed around 3,000 calories per day, which is higher than current recommendations for many adult males. Understanding how many calories a day did people eat in the 1950s requires a deep dive into the era's unique dietary habits, lifestyle, and food availability, all of which contrast sharply with modern-day patterns.

Archaeological analysis of Viking cesspits has revealed that many Vikings suffered from intestinal worms and other parasites, indicating a significant downside to their diet. This raises the question: Did the Vikings eat healthy, or was their rugged reputation a disguise for a less-than-perfect diet?

While modern people fret over vitamin D deficiency, the Vikings had an innate solution, relying on a nutrient-rich diet and smart cultural practices to secure their supply. So, how did Vikings get vitamin D without modern supplements or scientific understanding?

Did you know that scurvy killed more than 2 million sailors between the 16th and 18th centuries alone? From historical epidemics at sea to modern diagnoses, the question of **who got scurvy the most?** has a complex answer that reveals much about human nutrition and social vulnerabilities.

According to the USDA, the Basic Four was the official dietary guide from 1956 until 1979. In the 1960s, a simplified approach to eating led to the creation of this model, which featured the four food groups: milk, meat, fruits and vegetables, and bread and cereal.

An estimated two million sailors died from scurvy between the 16th and 18th centuries alone, revealing that the disease has historically devastated those cut off from fresh food. Yet, the question of who did scurvy affect spans far beyond the maritime world, encompassing soldiers, settlers, and vulnerable individuals in contemporary society.

While many assume Audrey Hepburn maintained her iconic slim figure through restrictive dieting, her son Luca Dotti confirmed her thinness was a direct result of malnutrition endured during World War II. This reality sharply contrasts with the popular myth surrounding her diet, highlighting the historical context behind her appearance. Instead of a strict weight loss plan, Hepburn followed a balanced and mindful approach to eating throughout her life.