Whether you are in your 20s, 40s, 80s or beyond, research shows that people who eat a balanced diet, don't smoke, and exercise regularly lead longer, healthier lives. Making improvements to your lifestyle at any age can help you reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your overall health.
Aging can take a toll on many parts of your body, including eyes, bones, muscles, heart and mind. Vitamins, minerals, protein and exercise are what the body needs to maintain good health. You can also promote health by including more functional foods in your diet. These are foods that can provide benefits beyond basic nutrition.
The tips below provide a starting point that can help you focus on foods for key parts of the body that are important to healthy aging:
-- Bones: String cheese is not just for the young. Add calcium to your diet by snacking on a stick of string cheese when hunger strikes.
-- Muscles: For a quick and easy snack, look for a nutrition bar with added soy protein or add a packet of soy or whey protein to your favorite smoothie.
-- Eyes: Punch up your intake of the eye-popping nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin by making a spinach salad with slices of oranges. Many multivitamin and mineral dietary supplements also include lutein.
-- Heart: Popcorn is a great source of whole grains. Keep a few mini-bags in your desk drawer to heat up for a quick, low-calorie snack at the office. Also, try spicing up your popcorn with garlic powder and cinnamon, or rosemary and parmesan cheese.
-- Mind: Salmon or tuna that is canned in water or in a shelf-stable pouch can make easy and affordable meals; add a few tablespoons of olive oil, season with pepper and thyme to enjoy on top of whole grain crackers or wrap with tomatoes in a lettuce leaf.
A positive attitude and regular physical activity are also key to maintaining good health at any age.
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/223202.php
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"Positive Attitude" is just about the most important.[QUOTE=LinB]"Positive Attitude" is just about the most important.[/QUOTE]