Expert Guide to Healthy Aging with the Right Diet
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Aging can be a wonderful journey if you take care of yourself. Eating right and staying active are key. This way, you can enjoy a happy and healthy life as you age.
Many people look to social media for diet tips. But a longevity expert shares some surprising advice. These tips might change how you think about your diet.
Understanding Protein’s Role
Dr. Joseph Antoun, a longevity expert, says too much protein isn’t good for you. While protein is important for muscles and health, too much can shorten your lifespan.
Animal proteins have certain amino acids that boost IGF-1 secretion. Plant-based proteins don’t do this as much. IGF-1 is a hormone that helps with growth and metabolism.
IGF-1: A Key Hormone
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IGF-1 is crucial for building muscle, especially as you age. Its levels drop over time, so it’s important to maintain them for your well-being.
Dr. Antoun suggests including some meat in a plant-based diet before age 30 and after age 65. During these times, your body absorbs food less efficiently, and muscle becomes essential for longevity.
Focus on Plant-Based Proteins
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Between ages 30 and 65, focus on plant-based proteins. Foods like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds are great choices. These foods help maintain lean muscle mass and reduce inflammation, which is good for your heart and metabolism.
Diets like pescatarian, Mediterranean, flexitarian, and vegan are linked to healthy aging. However, not all animal proteins are the same. Red meat, chicken, and fish have different levels of amino acids and fats.
- Red meat is high in saturated fats.
- Fish contains healthier, unsaturated fats.
Choose your diet wisely to ensure healthy aging and a long life.