Ukifika miaka 40 usile mikate, kula maharage (2)

Akinsanya says another reason why one must eat the right foods in the right amount as one approaches 50 is to reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension – conditions that are common in elderly people.

The cardiologist explains that adults may have to reduce their food portions to reduce the amount of calories stored in the body’s fat cells to avoid obesity.

“You are probably not as active as you used to be, so you will also need to reduce the portion of food you eat. Consuming the right number of calories for your level of physical activity helps you control your weight so that you don’t add weight.

“Extra weight is a concern for older adults because it can increase the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease and can increase joint problems. Eating more calories than your body needs for your activity level will lead to extra pounds that will only make you get terminal diseases easily.’

This does not mean you should lose weight as experts note that since one is less physically active, one will only need to eat small portions of foods to stay at the same weight.

They advise that choosing mostly nutrient-dense foods – foods which have a lot of nutrients but relatively few calories – can give one the nutrients one needs while keeping down calorie intake.

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