If You're Over 50, Don't Eat These...

Our bodies begin to change drastically once we reach our fifties, meaning that we need to be extra wary regarding the foods we eat. By this point, however, you likely have a dietary routine you adopted throughout the first half of your life. It’s hard to face change — especially when you really enjoy certain foods! To help you out, we have created a list of foods that should be avoided after age 50. While you may enjoy them, research shows that these foods may actually be zapping your energy.

Sprouts

While sprouts may be considered a healthy addition to any diet, this may not be the case for people over 50. Sprouts contain several vitamins and minerals, but they are also prone to salmonella and E.Coli contamination. As your immune system weakens with age, you are more at risk of getting sick from these foodborne diseases.

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There are many great alternatives to replace sprouts in your diet, meaning it is safer to give them a miss. Instead, you could opt for leafy greens like spinach or kale. However, if you insist on eating sprouts, ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked before eating.

Processed Meats

A number of health concerns come with eating large amounts of processed meats for all age groups. However, as we reach our 50s, exacerbated inflammation - caused by consuming processed meat - becomes particularly detrimental. In fact, aging is linked to inflammatory processes, meaning that these foods will only aggravate it.

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Instead, try to maintain a diet that consists mainly of healthy fruits and vegetables, whole-grain carbohydrates, and lean meats. There are plenty of healthy meat alternatives, such as tuna or chicken.

Pastries

Everybody loves pastries and, let's face it, they are a delicious indulgence. However, they can be dangerous to those over 50, especially if eaten in abundance. Various pastries are jam-packed with high fats, sugars, and calories, making them bad for overall health.

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More so, pastries with very little nutritional value, such as doughnuts, are often linked to obesity - a disease that becomes increasingly dangerous as we age. Eating pastries in the morning is especially dangerous, as it will cause you to crave more carbs and sweets throughout the day.

Soda

Everybody knows that soda is terrible for their health. Packed full of sugar and artificial ingredients, it is a significant contributor to obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and even heart disease. Soda is also extremely bad for dental health, which becomes increasingly important as we age.

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However, when consumed by people over the age of 50, the risk of developing these diseases increases tenfold. Dietitians strongly recommend consuming healthier alternatives like water, natural juices, or herbal teas. These drinks support hydration without adding large amounts of sugar to your diet.