Almost everyone says they are ‘into ‘ Healthy Aging. Now, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has produced a Health Ageing (alternative spelling) Report.
Aging Population
They make the point that we now live 10 years longer than in 1960. That is staggering (sorry – bad choice of metaphor). That’s 10 years longer life every 50 years, at that rate. They make the point that people’s twilight years are currently blighted by poor health. This will be a tremendous strain on the health service, as the population ages.
My view is that in 20-30 years medicine will have revolutionized – because of the advances of biology and technology (see my longevity blog).
Dietary Recommendations for Good Health
The report’s recommendations as to diet are basically fine, but need a little modification or amplification.
Much of what the BNF says is good; where I feel they fall short are on the following points;:
"Watch your weight": The main cause of weight gain in the Western world is over-consumption of starch. A healthy diet focuses more on lean protein and vegetables, especially raw (salads). Over eating of starch eg potatoes, bread, pasta, rice) leads to insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome; Glycation; and generalised inflammation.
"Eat Plenty of Fruit and Veg": They recommend the ‘five a day’ regime. Some say that this was watered down from ’10 a day’ because people just wouldn’t swallow it (so to speak). 10 a day is nearer the mark. Berries with breakfast; salad for lunch; salad/vegetables for dinner; plus two mid-morning/mid-afternoon snacks – one suggestion: eg carrots and celery and a little humus. 10 a day is eminently attainable, and much healthier. BNF also include ‘beans’ in their ’5 a day’. I’d say not; they are no substitute for a good vegetable.
Also: fruit juice – leave it out; it’s nearly ‘sugar water’. Bad for blood sugar. Eat whole fruit only and in moderation.
"Opt for healthier fats": They say "opt for unsaturated rather than saturated. OK as far as it goes; but also opt for Omega 3 rather than Omega 6. This is very important as Omega 6 stimulates inflammation; whereas Omega 3 counteracts it (inflammation is bad). So, avoid soy oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil (high Omega 6); go for olive oil (neutral with regard to Omega 3/6), walnut oil (has good Omega 3).
