Some of these are truly cringe-worthy.
“Be Really Refreshed”
The popular soda manufacturer promises an energy lift in this March 1960 magazine ad: “Only Coca-Cola gives you the cheerful lift that’s bright and lively.” We now know that soda’s sugar buzz is quickly followed by an energy crash.
“Milk: Nature’s Nightcap”
A warm glass of milk has been a longtime home remedy for insomnia for good reason, as evidenced by this vintage March 1960 depiction of milk as a nightcap. Although people point to milk’s tryptophan content for its soporific effects, more recent research shows that the tryptophan in protein-rich foods like milk isn’t able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and that milk’s effect on our sleepiness is likely due to psychological comfort. Here are 18 rare, vintage photos of what life was like in the 1950s.
“The Most Useful Protein”
Billing itself as having protein that’s “100% as useful as the protein in meat,” Life cereal marketed itself as a health food in its January 1962 ad. (Introduced in 1961, Life didn’t launch its popular “Mikey” ad until the 1970s.)
As for the meat comparison, Life wasn’t exactly spot-on: Meat is considered a “complete protein,” which means it contains all the amino acids your body needs for good health. Other plant sources of complete proteins include soy and quinoa. Whole grains like oats aren’t considered complete proteins, but making sure your diet includes other protein sources like beans, seeds, and nuts ensure you get all the protein you need.