5 foods for healthy ageing

Eating nutritious foods every day is essential to make sure we get all the nutrients we need to stay healthy, strong and well as we age. Try our top 5 foods for healthy ageing to make sure that you’re providing your body with all then nutrients it needs to function at its best!

Oats

• Oats contain a type of fibre called beta-glucans which help to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
• Traditional or rolled oats have a low GI (glycaemic index), which means their energy is slowly released and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Selecting low GI foods is also particularly useful for people with diabetes.
• Wholegrain cereals, including oats, are important sources of fibre which can help to alleviate constipation and maintain bowel health.

 Yoghurt

• Packed with protein, calcium and gut-friendly probiotics, yoghurt is a real nutrition powerhouse. 
• Calcium requirements increase as age and yoghurt is a convenient way to boost your intake, with a 200g tub providing around 20% of your calcium requirements.
• We know calcium is important for strong bones, however calcium also plays a role in keeping the heart contracting properly.

Lean meat (beef, chicken, turkey)

• Our requirements for protein increase as we age because we don’t build muscle as easily but we continue to break it down.
• Protein is required to maintain muscle mass, help fight infection, repair injuries and keep brain cells firing.
• Lean red meat is also high in iron which helps transport and store oxygen around the body, helping to prevent cognitive decline.

Oily Fish (Salmon)

• Not only is salmon high in protein, but it is also rich in omega-3 fats.
• Omega-3 fats are important for heart health as they help to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure and heart beats. 
• Omega-3 fats also contain DHA and EPA which research suggests is vital for brain health and plays a key role in the development of brain and cognitive function. 

Brightly coloured vegies

• As well as being rich in fibre, brightly coloured vegies also contain a variety of antioxidants which can help to prevent damage to our body cells, boosting our immunity to prevent and overcome illness.