Foods high in fiber ~ Foods that are high in fiber — like fruits and veggies, oatmeal, nuts, and legumes — can help with constipation that becomes more common as you age. They’re also able to help lower your cholesterol levels, manage your blood sugar, and keep you at a healthy weight.
Snack on nuts – tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and pistachios have big anti-aging powers. These crunchy snacks contain special nutrients that can help delay or prevent age-related heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, nerve disease, and some types of cancer. Nuts also protect your brain as you age.
Hydrate with Water – Water is food for your health in lots of ways. It cushions your joints, helps control your body temperature, and affects your mood and how well you focus.
Fatty Fish – Fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, herring, and farmed trout should be on your menu twice a week. The reason? They’re high in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that’s good for your brain.
Lean protein – Protein-rich foods fight the natural muscle loss that happens as you get older. As much as you can, enjoy your protein in “real” food like eggs, lean meat, and dairy products instead of protein powders that may not give you as many nutrients.
Blueberries – They’re a tasty way to protect your brain as you age. Blueberries contain polyphenols — compounds that lower inflammation throughout your body. They lessen damage to your DNA that can make some diseases more likely. They also improve how well your brain cells “talk” to each other.
Dairy products – The calcium in dairy keeps your bones healthy. As you get older, it can also lower your risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. After age 50, you’ll need 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day, which you can get through fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Milk and cheese aren’t you’re only options. You can still hit your calcium goal through things like yogurt, rice and soy drinks, fortified orange juice, and tofu.
I am an optimistic, can do, and never quit guy. The spirit of hope indelibly marks my DNA. My research at The Ohio State University helped people discover the best in themselves and change their personal lives, public organizations, and whole communities. I bring the same spirit and enthusiasm to my blog to help those who grieve who find themselves suddenly alone, navigate their grieving. Join my more than 24,300Twitter (@alwaysgoodstuff). I promise my tweets are always good stuff. Please feel free to email me at ray.brese@gmail.com.
View all posts by Ray Calabrese