As we appreciate our grandparents this National Grandparents Day, maybe we should take some time to appreciate certain aspects of the life they led in their prime. After all, isn’t it often said that the old ways are the best? And there’s probably a lot of truth in that when it comes to health in particular.
Our grandparents, in many ways, lived healthier lives than we do. Diabetes, cancer, allergies, and a number of other ailments and conditions have become far more widespread, and dangerous, over the last several decades. Yes, there may be external factors responsible for this, but there’s no denying that personal health plays a major role.
It’s notable that our grandparents seemed to lead healthier lives even though they lived on a diet that many would consider today to be ‘unhealthy’, rich as it was in meat, fat and carbs. Well, diet is indeed the key here. For our grandparents lived in an era before supermarkets, takeaways and processed foods cast such a long shadow over our plates. Farmer’s markets, and their own backyards, were their primary sources of food that was both organic and highly nutritious.
So maybe it’s time to turn back the clock and go ‘retro’ in our food choices. Read on to learn about five healthy organic foods from the past that ought to make a comeback on our menus:
Homemade Butter
Homemade butter is prepared using raw milk produced by grass-fed animals. In addition to being unbelievably delicious, it is a veritable treasure trove of nutrition. This butter is a great source of Vitamin A, E, K and D. It is also rich in antioxidants, keeps your brain and nervous system functioning well, and even helps you recover from gastrointestinal infections. Without a doubt, a truly healthy spread!
Stews & Soups
Decades ago, tender cuts of meat tended to be expensive, forcing most households to buy cheaper, and tougher, cuts of meat. This meat was used to prepare soups and stews, so that it could be softened by being boiled for a prolonged period of time. Loaded with vegetables and completely devoid of any kind of artificial flavoring, these soups and stews are a treat for the health-conscious.
Fresh Fruits
Seasonal food has become a healthy dietary option in recent years, but back in your grandparents’ days it was the only option. They had to eat fresh fruits that were in season because that’s all they could get their hands on! As a result, their diet always included the nutrients they needed for the current season. Moreover, since insects were simply considered a part of life back then, these fresh fruits had the added advantage of being completely chemical and pesticide free.
Bone Broth
Waste not, want not is an old adage that your grandparents were probably more likely to adhere to than you are. And this was reflected in their cooking practises. Leftover chicken and beef bone, rather than being discarded, were used to make bone broth. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, bone broth is an elixir for good health. It has in fact been scientifically proven that a bowl of bone broth can cure you off a cold!
Organ Meats
The organs of animals are also something else likely to end up as waste these days. But to your grandparents, organs were an inexpensive, delicious and highly nutritious meal. As with any other kind of animal product, there are options aplenty. Heart, kidney, liver, tripe, tongue…the list goes on. Liver deserves special attention, as it’s the food which gives you the highest amount of vitamin A! Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fats; organs are definitely a taste worth acquiring.
There are, of course, plenty of other organic foods from the old days that are worth a try, but the five mentioned above are great to start with. Let your grandparent’s legacy of good health live on for generations to come!
