We know it's important to take care of our bodies, and that a huge part of self care comes from eating the right foods. However, what many people don't know is that just as our bodies change as we grow older, our diets will probably need to change, too. Foods that we were once able to eat without even thinking now add inches to our waistline, and the increasing risk of developing things like heart disease or diabetes means that we really have to watch what we put into our mouths as our lives grow longer.
Just as there are lots of foods that are great for giving your mood and energy levels a boost, there are also foods that can help with age-related issues that tend to crop up after we hit fifty. Many of them are what people of all ages could consider superfoods, some of which we've already shown you. These edibles are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other good stuff that help you treat your body like the temple it was designed to be. As you get older and your dietary needs change, it's even more important to pay attention to exactly the right kinds of foods you should be including in your diet.
Check out this list of some of the healthiest foods for people over fifty. Whether you're already well into your golden years or still have a ways to go before you even have to think about wrinkles, including these foods in your diet will help you feel young and strong for a long, long time.
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1. Asparagus
Men in particular are going to want to give these green stalks a lot of love since they contain high amounts of lycopene, which has been found to keep the prostate healthy and protect it from cancer. Asparagus also has Vitamin A (great for keeping your eyes and immune system in good shape) and fiber (to help reduce cholesterol), which makes it a perfect veggie to cook up for dinner.
2. Dark chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that can help prevent your arteries from clogging, which can help in the prevention of heart attacks. Just make sure you're choosing chocolate that's at least 70 percent cacao to get the maximum benefits, which include lower blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke if if it's consumed in small amounts.
3. Kale
You're probably sick of even hearing about kale at this point, but you should really give this leafy green a chance. Kale contains tons of nutrients, including Vitamin K to help promote blood clotting, calcium for bone health, and lutein for eye health.
4. Olive Oil
Many people still believe the myth that all fats are bad, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, which is great for helping to maintain blood sugar levels and keeping your blood cholesterol levels low.
5. Green tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help reduce the risks for many types of cancers, including that of the prostate. It's also been shown to have benefits for your brain, such as blocking the plaques that are connected to Alzheimer's disease and helping to boost your memory. If that's still not enough to convince you to drink a few cups every day, you should also know that green tea can help lower cholesterol and improve blood flow.
6. Turmeric
This spice has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and even prevent arthritis in older women. In addition, the compound curcumin that's found in turmeric is a powerful substance that can help fight tumors and the effects of Alzheimer's.
7. Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein, but what separates it from other meats is its high omega-3 fatty acid content. These fatty acids are great for maintaining heart health, building brain cell membranes, and lowering blood pressure.
8. Flaxseed
For women especially, hormones go a bit crazy around the time you hit fifty. The alpha linolenic acid found in flaxseed contain omega-3s that can help manage the night sweats and hot flashes that come with menopause. Plus, they contain lignans, which are a special type of fiber that can help reduce hot flashes.
9. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor and cholesterol away thanks to their high soluble fiber content, meaning that they're great to keep your heart happy and healthy. Make sure you eat them with the skin to get the maximum benefits, which include Vitamin C and antioxidants.
10. Broccoli
Your parents probably told you that this green veggie would help you grow big and strong, but it'll also help you stay that way as you get older. Broccoli has plenty of Vitamin A, C, K, and folate to help pretty much everything in your body stay in tip-top shape, including your bones, eyes, and red blood cells.
11. Coffee
Don't be shy about having more than one cup of this tasty beverage every day. Studies have shown that people who drink coffee every day were less likely to die from a whole host of problems, such as heart disease, stroke, infections, and diabetes. And if you increase your uptake to about four cups a day, your risk of Alzheimer's is drastically reduced.
12. Quinoa
Like kale, this tasty food has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years thanks to its incredible nutritional benefits. It's a complete protein, which makes it especially good for vegetarians and vegans, and its high fiber content helps your digestive system stay in check. Plus, it's great for helping regulate blood sugar and insulin.
