When you reach your fifties, your body undergoes major changes, mainly hormonal, but not only. The metabolism tends to slow down and a loss of appetite can be observed. Our sense of taste, smell and thirst becomes less acute, and our diet, and therefore our health, eventually suffer. Your fifties are therefore a time of life when it’s important to pay attention to your diet to put your body in the best possible condition. So remember to choose the foods you eat carefully.
Here are 6 essential foods for people in their fifties.
Oranges have many benefits and, especially around the age of fifty, will become a great friend. Citrus fruits, and oranges in particular, play an important role in the fight against cancer, especially if eaten several times a week. As well as reducing the risk to the digestive tract and upper respiratory tract, they slow the progression of this terrible disease, thanks to their antioxidant power, which increases the resistance of healthy cells. This food also plays a key role in preventing heart and cerebrovascular disease.
As well as oranges, it’s important to provide the body with the nutrients it needs, particularly good fats. So it’s important to add olive oil and fish to your diet, which are always good choices.
Vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil, is an excellent way of preventing cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and coronary heart disease. These two types of oil are really the best way to keep your body healthy. Butter and other animal fats, on the other hand, should be avoided. Vegetable oils slow down the ageing process of cells, improving the health of the body, hair and skin. Since ancient times, they have been used as beauty products to nourish, protect and moisturise the skin. These oils create a thin layer of fat on the skin that prevents the water in the outer layer from evaporating. Thanks to vegetable oil, the skin stays hydrated and the complexion is brighter.
Vitamin D is very important for good health, and in particular for the absorption of calcium. With age, the human body loses its ability to fix and maintain calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis problems. To avoid this type of problem, you need to include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet, such as oily fish (swordfish, eel, salmon, tuna), eggs, cod liver oil, calf’s liver, soya milk and porcini mushrooms. It’s also important to expose yourself regularly and safely to the sun’s rays to ensure a good supply of vitamin D.
Walnuts are the ultimate anti-ageing food, thanks to their enormous vitamin E content. Vitamin E is essential for protecting the body against ageing. Vitamin E is essential for protecting the cell membrane, helping to protect and regenerate the body’s cells. They also contain omega-3 and magnesium, which promote heart health and give tissues important antioxidant properties.
Avocados are a source of vitamins C and E, which play an active role in preserving the skin’s youthful appearance by stimulating collagen production.
Romaine lettuce is a rich source of dietary fibre, but it also contains vitamins and minerals that help combat stress, high blood pressure, digestive problems and inflammation of the internal organs.
All this, of course, needs to be combined with healthy physical activity: physical movement is vital for long-term health. A good exercise routine can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and prevent osteoporosis. Walking, running, swimming, cycling or dancing help to control blood pressure and improve lung function. Regular stretching and flexibility exercises are important for maintaining joint mobility and avoiding injury. Yoga and tai chi are also recommended, as they combine a physical component with an emotional and spiritual one.
