Diet is an integral part of overall health and it can be difficult to ensure that your body is getting the right nutrients and vitamins that it needs to maintain health we age. The proper foods can even prevent the likelihood of illnesses and can boost your energy levels to give you a better quality of life. Listed below are several foods that you should be including in your diet.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt can be a great source of calcium that will help with strengthening your bones and teeth. Without enough intake of calcium, your body will start taking it from your bones to provide cells the required calcium and this may even lead to serious conditions such as osteoporosis. It also contains probiotics to promote good gut health and digestion.
When opting for low-fat yogurt, it’s important to check the label to ensure there are no added sugars to make up for the lack of taste. You can also choose an unsweetened yogurt and add sweetness with some honey or berries to add flavor.
Fish
Fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. While you might be wary of fats in your diet, the oils and fats found in fish are good fats that are beneficial to our health. Not only are these fatty acids great immunity boosters, the benefits of eating fish include improving blood circulation, lowering plaque in your arteries, and even helping to protect your eyes from macular degeneration.
Tofu
Made from soybeans, tofu contains a high level of protein and calcium. If you’re on a vegetarian diet, tofu is a must-have in your diet because you are not getting any protein from meat. Proteins are good for repairing and building muscle and are essential for fueling your body. Not enough protein in your diet may lead to muscle loss.
Bananas
Potassium can be found in bananas and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. It helps with nerve function and helps to regulate your heartbeat so you must get sufficient potassium through the foods you eat.
Lentils
Like tofu, lentils are a good substitute for meat to help you get the proteins that your body needs. They are legumes that contain a high amount of fiber as well. The benefits of legumes include lowering your cholesterol and protecting you against heart disease and diabetes. The fiber in lentils also helps with good digestive health in your gut.
Spinach
This dark leafy green provides vitamin E and a high level of magnesium that promotes proper muscle and nerve function and can help control blood sugar levels. They also contain antioxidants that help with free radicals in your body.
While it’s important that you get enough nutrients in your diet through consuming the foods listed, going overboard with the amount of food may lead to vitamin toxicity and cause more harm than good. You should follow the recommended intake for any vitamins or minerals and consult with a dietician or doctor to make sure that you are eating the right amount and the right foods that will not interfere with any medication you may be taking.
