Even if you don’t feel any different than you did in your teens and twenties, the body changes in ways that make it harder to lose weight and remain in good health.
To help you age gracefully into a body you’ll want to flaunt no matter how many years go by, we dug into the science of aging and nutrition to uncover the foods that should never pass your lips after you’ve celebrated the big 3-0.
Here are four foods that you should cut down on (or avoid eating altogether) as you get older, and why:
1. High-sodium foods.
Too much salt can be a problem for older adults, especially if you have a history of hypertension. If your food is lacking flavor, try adding different types of herbs and spices rather than loading up with table salt.
2. Sodas and sugary drinks.
An ice-cold cola may seem tempting if you’re hot and thirsty, but sodas and many sports drinks contain a large amount of sugar. A cola can contain 39 grams of sugar in one 12-ounce serving, the equivalent of almost 10 teaspoons of sugar! If you have prediabetes, regular consumption of these types of drinks may raise your blood sugar to a diagnosis of diabetes. Excess sugar also leads to obesity and other health issues.
3. Grapefruit
Seniors who take medications for high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety should consult their doctors and read their medication labels before eating grapefruit. Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, which can result in serious side effects.
4. Processed Foods
Many seniors turn to processed foods for their ease of preparation. However, these foods contain high levels of fat, sodium, sugars, and preservatives that are especially harmful for seniors with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
5. Red meat
Fatty fish, fruits, nuts, and leafy green vegetables are the best foods for seniors who want to increase their blood flow. However, red meat is the worst food choice because it can lead to inflammation, causing plaque buildup and narrow arteries
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