More health problems will occur as you become older, and soon you will be wondering how you can maintain good health over 50. Good health is a result of a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating and regular exercise. It takes considerable effort and discipline to stay healthy when you are over 50, but the rewards that you get in return will be well-worth the effort.
A Healthy Diet
Following a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining good health over 50. When you are over 50 years old, the metabolism of your body will not be the same as when you were in your 30s or 40s. As such, your body will need different nutrients to stay healthy, and you have to eat certain types of food to ensure that all your nutritional needs will be met.
It is recommended that you consume more fruits and vegetables, because they contain good amounts of vitamins and antioxidants that can lower the risks of a variety of diseases, ranging from heart diseases to cancer. Some of the vegetables that you should include in your daily diet are spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, squash, cabbage and beans. Fruits that you should consume include oranges, apples, grapes, watermelon, peaches, cherries and pears.
It is also important that you eat more whole grain foods, such as brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat. Whole grains are known to have very low fat content, and they contain good amounts of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health in many ways. You should also try to consume more cheeses, yogurts and eggs, as these foods can improve bone health and control hypertension.
When you are over 50, you should eat lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, and fresh fish, because they contain less fat and cholesterol. Also, it is advisable that you use heart-friendly oils, such as olive oil, to do your cooking. Make sure that you drink lots of water everyday to keep your body well-hydrated.
Men over 50 can boost their overall health by taking vitamin and protein supplements, while women can stay healthy by taking vitamin, calcium and mineral supplements.
Food and Habits to Avoid
There are also certain types of food that you have to refrain from consuming if you want to enjoy good health over 50. These include processed foods, processed white sugar, baked goods made from processed flour, foods with high salt content, smoked foods, high-carbohydrate foods, canned foods, canned beverages and processed juices. Also, you should not consume alcohol excessively or use any tobacco products, as these substances are highly detrimental to health.
Regular Exercise
Eating the right food and getting rid of bad habits can help you overcome a lot of health problems, but you still need to lead an active lifestyle to achieve optimal health. Regular exercise can improve your blood circulation, stimulate metabolism, tone and strengthen your muscles, and burn excess calories. It is recommended that you do 30 minutes to 1 hour of cardiovascular exercises everyday. Also, you should engage in some mentally-stimulating activities on a regular basis to keep your mind sharp and healthy.
