Time passes and old age arrives. Fortunately, nowadays life expectancy is much higher than in the past. Therefore, much has been studied on how to deal with the aging of the population. A food is one of the items that changes the most at this stage of life, so see now how it should be diet for seniors.
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What to eat in old age?
As we age, our bodies naturally become more fragile. The bones start to have a greater chance of fractures, the immune system starts to not defend itself so well, muscle strength decreases, memory starts to be not so good anymore, among other changes.
Food exerts a direct influence on all body processes. For this reason, it is so important to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients so that vital functions are kept in full working order. So, check below which foods cannot be left out of the diet of the elderly:
Milk and derivatives (cheese, yogurt, ricotta)
Milk and its derivatives are rich in two essential nutrients for those who reach old age: protein and calcium. Proteins are important because they make up the structure of our organs and are also part of the body's defense system. Calcium, in turn, is essential for bone health and blood pressure regulation.
Nuts (nuts, walnuts, almonds)
Oilseeds are great sources of omega 3, a type of good fat that protects the heart, fights inflammation and improves the body's defense system. In addition, these foods contain antioxidants that protect cells.
Legumes (lentils, soybeans, beans, chickpeas)
Legumes are important for seniors for two reasons. First, because they are sources of iron. As chewing is usually impaired at this stage of life, it is more difficult to consume red meat and even viscera (liver). For this reason, it is important to invest in iron-rich plant foods to combat anemia.
The other reason why legumes should be consumed by older people is that they are very rich in fiber, which improves bowel function. Allied to this, it is worth remembering that water consumption should be reinforced at this stage of life to avoid dehydration and constipation.