A healthy diet makes for a healthy life, when combined with a regular exercise routine and adequate sleep. While we may be comfortable consuming a variety of healthy foods when we are young, our bodies are subject to change as we grow up, so certain healthy foods may not be compatible with our health. Huh. Too often, we overlook the effect of age on our ability to process certain foods, thus affecting our bodily functioning in the long run.
As the years pass, our organs gradually lose their agile repair power, making recovery from the effects of certain foods too heavy on our health. While we may think that healthy eating is suitable for all age groups, this is not true in many cases. Hence it is best to be careful with these six healthy foods that the elderly should not eat, to avoid health implications for us and our elderly loved ones.
1. Raw eggs and foods that contain undercooked eggs:
Eggs are known to be an extremely rich source of protein and other nutrients. Many people in their 20s to 40s consume raw eggs as part of their high-protein diet, especially if they engage in workouts that aim to add more muscle. Likewise, many people consume foods such as unpasteurized eggshells, French toast, desserts such as tiramisu, and the like that contain undercooked eggs. These foods are a no-no for the elderly! This is because raw eggs can contain salmonella bacteria, both on the outside and inside of the egg, which can cause illnesses such as food poisoning.
2. Raw Sprouts
Of course, sprouts are a delicious source of nutrition, vitamins, minerals and other health-important nutrients. Bean sprouts, raw green gram, broccoli, alfalfa are some of the famous sprouts known for their nutritional value, especially when eaten raw. However, the elderly should avoid raw sprouts as they can be a breeding ground for germs, especially Salmonella, E. coli, which can cause serious illnesses that make it difficult for the elderly to recover.
3. Soft Cheese:
Dairy and dairy derivatives are excellent sources of calcium, an essential mineral at every stage of life. However, soft cheeses such as blue-veined cheeses, Camembert, brie, buchette and similar can contain bacteria and food poisoning bugs that can cause listeria, making them highly unsuitable for consumption by the elderly. Cooked soft cheese is fine to eat, as the heat kills the bacteria.
4. Unpasteurized Milk:
Raw, unpasteurized milk is an absolutely essential food for the elderly. Unpasteurized milk contains bacteria and protozoa that can cause diseases such as brucellosis, listeriosis, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and diphtheria. These bacteria can only be killed by pasteurization or heating the milk to a certain temperature for a certain amount of time. To get the calcium needed to prevent osteoporosis and other age-related bone diseases, plant sources of calcium include tofu, cooked broccoli, almonds and kale.
5. Rare and Cold Meats:
While we may like our steak or burger patties rare or medium-rare, the elderly may not want to compromise their health by consuming raw or rare meats, especially if they are grilled. The process of grinding meat can introduce potentially harmful germs and bacteria, such as salmonella, E. coli, into the meat, which can result in serious illness and sometimes death.
6. Raw Seafood:
Sushi, sashimi, ceviche and the like are delicious, there’s no doubt about it; However, they come under the list of foods that the elderly should avoid. Raw or undercooked seafood may contain bacteria, germs, and potentially harmful toxins, which are not flushed out of our bodies due to the lack of heat in the seafood. Raw fish, clams, oysters and mussels should be strictly avoided.
As we age, our bodies get older, but our minds get wiser. Let us give our wise elders the right food for a healthy life. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, cooked fish and nuts containing omega 3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Cutting down on red meat and processed meats, replacing them with cooked fish, pasteurized dairy and dairy products, and plant proteins can have a positive effect on health. Whole fruits, berries and melons can be consumed in place of juices to supply adequate fiber and vitamins. Whole grain foods are great sources of energy and carbohydrates – this works great for all age groups!
Source by Karthik Guduru
