Better Nutrition in the 1940s
2018 marks Better Nutrition’s 80th year in print. Travel through time with us as we highlight popular diet and nutrition trends by decade. In the spotlight this month: the Master Cleanse.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
What started as an alternative cure for stomach ulcers in 1940 has become one of the most popular detox regimens ever—the Master Cleanse. Developed by natural practitioner Stanley Burroughs, this health panacea, as Burroughs saw it, is a 10-day fast that involves drinking 6–12 glasses of “lemonade” water daily. The purifying concoction is made with maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper, the latter of which emerged as a curious ingredient in ’30s and ’40s cocktails (including a Mae West-inspired mixed drink). In 1976, Burroughs published a book version of his program, The Master Cleanser, which has been revised and retooled by many. Here’s the original recipe:
The Master Cleanse Lemonade Water
The original
- 2 Tbs. lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 Tbs. grade B organic maple syrup
- ¹⁄10 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 8 oz. spring or purified water, medium hot (or cold)
7 Foods that were introduced in the ’40s
- York Peppermint Patties
- Cheerios
- Corn dogs
- M&Ms
- Pasta Gianduja (a hazelnut spread that later became Nutella)
- Betty Crocker Cake Mix
- Jolly Rancher candies
The Story of Better Nutrition
Was founded by Jack Schwartz in 1938. Schwartz returned from the military with a business idea—start a magazine about nutrition. He loved helping friends and family find natural solutions to health problems, and he figured others would be interested in this too. He saw an opportunity to fill a niche and, at the same time, satisfy his passion for health and nutrition. And just like that, Better Nutrition magazine was born. Fall back in time with us this year as we revisit popular trends in nutrition, vitamins, recipes, and more with this limited-edition section.
80 Years of Better Nutrition:
- Better Nutrition in the 1930s – The Grapefruit Diet
- Better Nutrition in the 1940s – The Original Master Cleanse
- Better Nutrition in the 1950s, Part 1 – Gelatin Molds
- Better Nutrition in the 1950s, Part 2 – Wheat Germ
- Better Nutrition in the 1960s, Part 1 – Granola
- Better Nutrition in the 1960s, Part 2 – Fondue
- Better Nutrition in the 1970s, Adelle Davis
- Better Nutrition in the 1980s, Part 1 – Fit for Life
- Better Nutrition in the 1980s, Part 2 – Bran
- Better Nutrition in the 1990s, Part 1 – Low-Fat Diets
- Better Nutrition in the 1990s, Part 2 – Low-Carb Diets