As we age, our bodies change. From the time we are born, our bodies require food that can help us thrive as we perform daily functions. We tell kids to eat health and may not follow that ourselves, but eating healthy should be a habit for everyone.
Changing what you eat to a healthier diet may seem complicated or intimidating. However, we are equipped for change, which means you can change your habits at any age. Here is how eating nutritious food can help you thrive as you age.
What Healthy Diets Do
As your body goes through many changes as you age, it’s important to give it the nutrition it needs to function well. Daily tasks can get more challenging the older you get, but having a healthy diet helps your body in many ways.
Eating well can boost immunity, fight illnesses, keep weight in check, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss, and cancer. A balanced diet and regular exercise also foster your independence as you age.
Nutritious Eating Affects the Body
As we age, our appetite may decrease, which can cause unbalanced eating habits. However, a healthy appetite is necessary to receive the proper vitamins and proteins your body needs. It can help with your overall health and help with giving you energy to do things. A few ways to eat healthier are:
- Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables
- Substituting healthy fats for unhealthy ones
- Varying your protein sources
- Eating whole grains
Eating Healthy Affects the Mind
The food that you eat can have a significant impact on your and improve your mood and focus.
You need a combination of complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. This diet increases the amount of the feel-good chemical serotonin in your brain. Similarly, protein intake has been linked to higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help with motivation and concentration.
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