Have you ever wondered what makes some people healthier than others even as they age?
Apart from genes, a significant percentage of our health is dictated by what we consume on a daily basis.
Here are seven foods over 50 you should consider adding to your diet, no matter your age.
What Food Over 50 Should You Consume?
So, with a good diet, you are already halfway to a healthier way of living. What we eat directly affects the way our body feels, and hence, the way our mind works and grows.
You are what you eat. What you eat affects your brain and body, so you want foods that are rich in antioxidants, good fats, vitamins, and minerals.
— Jim Kwik, trainer of Midvalley’s Superbrain Quest
So, here are seven of the best foods over 50 you should eat for maximum health:
1. Beans
There is numerous research about beans and how healthy they are. Research shows that the proper consumption of beans (for example, lentils beans 3/4 cup) can even decrease LDL (better known as cholesterol) by 5%.
Other than this, it lowers A1c by 0.5% which is an excellent indicator of blood sugar control.
2. Oats
Once we reach the age of 50, the risk of heart disease increases drastically. So, importing foods that positively affect cholesterol is important.
Oats are just the perfect choice. At least three grams of oats daily, and you will reduce cholesterol levels drastically (up to 10%).
Needless to say, this greatly reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. Apples
Seems like our parents were right.
On average, apples have five grams of heart-healthy fiber. What does this do? Well, apart from keeping your ticker in a good shape, it lowers LDL cholesterol and helps support a healthier way of life.
Apples are an absolute must-use food for over 50.
There is excellent research showing that an apple a day keeps type 2 diabetes away.
So, don’t underestimate this fruit. At least you can find it almost everywhere – almost as if it grows on trees!
4. Nuts
Nuts have been proven to be not only a great aphrodisiac but also work as a heart disease decreaser. They lower the risk of heart disease by 28%.
Now, you don’t need to buy the most expensive nuts. Simple peanuts will do the job, and they are almost two times cheaper than any other tree nuts.
5. Berries
Berries are great brain-boosting food.
Every single fruit from the berries family contains phytochemicals. These chemicals help boost blood flow and reduce age-related memory decline.
They offer high vitamin and fiber content. They are must-import food over 50.
And if you’re worried about the price, you can always purchase these small fruits frozen to pop into your smoothie any day of the week!
6. Yogurt
As our body grows old, our bones become more fragile. Apart from calcium, which helps keep our bones strong, yogurt supplies us with a high dose of great-quality protein.
Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria that help us nourish the gut. Simply put, yogurt is a must-use food for women over 50 and men over 70.
7. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are not the most delicious food out there. But it’s a fact that this food over 50 is one of the healthiest that you can give to your body.
Leafy greens help keep your mind sharp, increase your brainpower, and keep your body in great form.
There is some interesting research about people who ate leafy greens throughout their life. The research indicates that the cognitive ability of those who ate leafy greens matched the abilities of those who were a full 11 years younger.
It’s never late to start eating this food over 50 to feel like you’re performing at half your true age! And you can even grow them yourself!
What Food Over 50 Should I Avoid Eating?
As there is some food that you should increase after 50, there are some foods that you should definitely avoid.
First is alcohol. Overall, alcohol increases the chances of ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes, and much more. And research shows that the older we become, the less efficiently our body processes alcohol.
Besides alcohol, a few other foods to add to the avoid list include fried foods, ice cream, soy, potato chips, and processed sugary foods.
Food is a powerful way to supplement our health. Try incorporating some of these foods over 50 into your diet and see if you feel the difference!
