Why a Healthy Diet is Critical as You Get Older

A healthy diet is important at any age, but it is critical as you get older. As your body ages it takes more work to stay free of illness. Considering the impact diet can have on your health, it makes sense that it’s important to get the right amount of nutrients. A healthy diet can help keep your mind sharp, lower the risk of diabetes, and boost energy.

Keep Your Mind Sharp

A healthy diet can help you keep your mind sharp. There are specific nutrients that will help with this. Your brain needs many nutrients and fuel to run optimally because it has such a big role in your body. Omega-3 fatty acids are important in brain health and can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3’s can be obtained through eating fish and nuts. Other foods can be important in brain health by offering other vitamins and minerals, such as leafy green vegetables and fruits.

Prevent Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle related so there are things you can do to prevent it as you age. Eating a diet that is high in fiber can help with gut health as well as limiting spikes in blood sugar from meals. Reducing refined carbohydrates can help manage blood sugar as well. You should choose complex carbs like vegetables and whole grains. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can also help limit your risks. It is important to prevent diabetes because it can have other health implications, including negatively affecting other organs and causing poor circulation. Diabetes can impact your eyes if you develop diabetic retinopathy.

Boost Energy

Human metabolism changes with age, which requires us to change our eating habits. Foods can help your energy levels, or they can hinder them. As you age it is important to get proper nutrition to ensure that you can keep high energy levels. Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium are important nutrients to get into your body through food. Foods that can hinder your energy levels include processed grains, breakfast cereals, sugary drinks. These can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Coffee and alcohol should also be avoided as they can disrupt sleep.

A healthy diet is critical as you age because it can help keep your mind sharp, reduce the chance of diabetes, and boost energy. A poor diet will only increase the effects of aging and leave you feeling poorly. Feed your body well so that it can continue to function optimally and so that you can enjoy the benefits of a nutritious diet for the rest of your life. 

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