We’ve all heard we are what we eat. If that’s the case, we need to make smart nutritional choices to live the life we want. The question is, do those choices change as we age? Are the food choices we make in our early thirties the same we should make when we’re sixty years old?
Nutrition remains the same as we age, but as we age, we may need fewer calories while still needing energy. This means our nutrients might need to come from choices we may not have made in the past. Not only that but how and when we eat might also change our choices. There are many issues related to aging that change our outlook on things, including how we eat.
Medicine may make food taste different or not settle in our stomachs well. Different medical conditions may make it hard to swallow or chew foods. Even cooking might become more difficult, which might mean more processed food.
You might wonder what you can do now, or more so, what you can eat, to ensure you are at your healthiest through all stages of your life. In particular, as you grow older, experts suggest focusing on a few key foods.
1.) Salmon: One of the best proteins you can eat, thanks to its vast nutritional benefits, is salmon. Research suggests it is great for eye health and your brain, thanks to the omega-3 benefits it provides.
2.) Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are good for you at any age. Vitamin C, in particular, has anti-oxidant properties essential for your immune system.
3.) Cruciferous vegetables: Not only are these vegetables a significant source of fiber, but they are also good for heart and brain health. Vegetables in this category include cabbage, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, just to name a few.
4.) Carrots: We’ve heard that carrots are good for us all our lives. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in our bodies. This is essential because our bodies aren’t able to create our own source of vitamin A. Vitamin A works to improve our vision and immune system, as well as to provide us with other benefits.
5.) Edamame: Edamame, or soybeans, is another essential food as we age. These cute little beans have anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. There is also ongoing research that suggests they decrease your risk of cancer as well.
Adding these foods to your diet will surely set you on your path to a longer life and better nutrition as you grow older. The more you can do to prepare for a brighter future, the better.
