The Best Foods To Eat After Age 50, According To Nutritionists And A Geriatrician

If you’re over 50 years old, you’ve probably noticed that food affects you a little bit differently than it did when you were younger. While a nightly bowl of ice cream used to be a delicious, harmless nightly staple, you might find that this habit now has a bigger impact on your health or makes you feel a certain way.

It’s possible that your doctor has talked to you about eating in a way that promotes bone strength or keeps your blood sugar in check, and there’s good reason for that. As we age, our nutritional needs change, and the phrase “you are what you eat” becomes more relevant than ever before.

Women see estrogen levels drop with menopause, which leads to a decrease in bone mass and an increased need for calcium-rich foods that can help stave off osteoporosis . And for both women and men, bodies lose the ability to produce insulin as easily over time, leading to blood sugar imbalances and the potential development of Type 2 diabetes. The metabolism slows down, too, particularly after age 60 — which means calorie-heavy foods are more likely to cause weight gain. And considering that heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States , eating a heart-healthy diet is key.

We know, we know. We’re delivering a lot of depressing news here. With that in mind, certain foods can be beneficial when it comes to keeping age-related health issues at bay. Here, a geriatrician and registered dietitians share the top foods people over 50 should pick up at the grocery store.

Flavorful herbs like parsley, saffron or rosemary

Because salt can contribute to high blood pressure, Dr. Nina L. Blachman, ageriatrician at NYU Langone Health, suggests limiting salt as much as possible. “Instead of salt, I recommend seasoning foods