Growing up in the 1970s was a whole different experience when it came to food. This decade gave us everything from fondue parties to sugary cereals. While you may think that you were exposed to too much sugar, it was found that these foods share health benefits we never knew of. If you were a kid in this decade, then these 15 foods likely hold a special place in your heart.
14. Mug-o-Lunch
Remember when adding magic hot water will give you dinner? That’s the Mug-o-Lunch for you, which was launched in 1976 by Betty Crocker. This was actually a pioneer of sustainable eating, as studies have shown that Mug-o-Lunch can reduce food waste. While you find them unhealthy, this lazy dinner is actually a step toward a greener future.
13. Cowboy Stew
Remember when you had cowboy stew for dinner, and it was the best thing you had? This one-pot meal is filled with ground beef, hot dogs, and beans, which were a 1970s family favorite. This meal is high-fiber with plant-based protein from the beans, which can contribute to lower rates of chronic disease. Also, the combination of fiber and protein with antioxidants can help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
12. Pop Rocks
That cracking candy at the back of your mind is probably Pop Rocks from the 1970s. The secret behind it is the pressurized carbon dioxide, which is the same gas that gives soda its bubbles. Also, we know that Pop Rocks isn’t exactly healthy, but it has been found that carbon dioxide can help stimulate digestive enzymes. Surprising, right?
11. Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska was probably the food you remember from the dinner parties that your parents brought you to. This party special features hot meringue and cold ice cream that you’d probably need as a temporary metabolism boost for the party. The reason behind this is that your body works to regulate the temperature.
10. Cheese Balls
Another 1970s party staple features a giant, nut-covered cheese ball that is displayed at the center table. This appetizer is a secret friend to your gut microbiome, as the cheese is a fermented dairy product. It was revealed that the beneficial bacteria from aged cheese can actually help improve gut biodiversity, which is key to a healthy immune system.
9. Honey Nut Cheerios
The classic Honey Nut Cheerios Breakfast was launched in 1979 as a breakfast made for kids and adults. This honey-coated little “O” has its fair share of health benefits, as honey (its coating) is a powerhouse for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Natural compounds of it, such as the flavonoids and phenolic acids, fight inflammation and support a healthy immune system.
8. Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
This food was made for the adventurous adults (even kids) back in the 1970s. It’s actually served at parties as a sophisticated appetizer, which is secretly a weapon for your liver health. Artichokes alone are packed with polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants with liver-protecting properties. They help the liver to process toxins effectively and regenerate liver cells that are destroyed by stress.
7. TV Dinners
TV dinners are often criticized as one of the unhealthiest and most processed meals. However, they have a hidden benefit, which lies in portion control. Studies reveal that part of obesity prevention is through pre-portioned meals that prevent overconsumption. While there are much more healthier alternatives for portioned meals, TV dinners still stand as portioned compared to fast food.
6. Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad
That wobbly rainbow gelatin stood as one of the popular 1970s potluck centerpieces. The key ingredient, which is the humble gelatin, is actually a form of collagen, with its global market booming. Gelatin-based hydrogels are found to benefit wound healing and cell regeneration. The same properties that made this dessert jiggle actually help repair human tissue.
5. Campbell’s Chunky Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Soup isn’t actually our idea of a healthy dinner. Well, you’d be surprised to know that a symbol of our busy lives is actually a smart nutritional choice. The 2024 report of the American Frozen Food Institute stated that frozen and canned foods provide nutrition that aligns with healthy dietary patterns when you choose them wisely. They lock nutrients during their peak freshness and ripeness, which makes they an affordable source of vitamins and minerals.
4. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This pretty popular cake from the ’70s features caramelized pineapple rings with maraschino cherries. Pineapple contains a secret weapon called bromelain, which is found to have potent anti-cancer properties. Bromelain can help induce cancer cell death and prevent tumor growth through biological pathways. It’s the same enzyme that produces a tingling sensation in your mouth when eating pineapple.
3. Watergate Salad
This green dessert might raise eyebrows today, but it’s definitely the dessert that families used to enjoy back in the ’70s. It features pistachio pudding with chunks of pineapple and fluffy marshmallows. Its star ingredient, which is pistachio, has been linked to cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of it actually helps lower bad cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure readings. It’s also rich in antioxidants that protect the heart against inflammation and disease.
2. Quiche Lorraine
This French dish features crispy bacon lardons, cheese, and silky eggs, which were the ultimate weekend brunch. The eggs found in quiche have a high-quality protein that contains all essential amino acids. Egg also protects individuals from sarcopenia, which is an age-related loss of muscle mass. The protein found in eggs is actually a building block that repairs muscle tissue.
1. Carrot Cake
We all know that carrot cake is the healthy dessert of the ’70s. With that, black carrots, which are a variety of the vegetable, can actually fight breast, colon, and prostate cancer as they slow tumor growth and cause cancer cell death. Meanwhile, the powerful antioxidants of the carrot itself, or the anthocyanins that give its vibrant orange color, are also found to carry these anti-cancer properties.