Foods & Drinks To Avoid After 40

As we age, it is important for us to eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle because there are so many health challenges that have been linked to old age.

That’s why it’s so important to keep track of one’s diet and avoid foods that put one at risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes high blood pressure.

All the foods listed here are generally not so good for health but they are worse for older people the more.

Read: Older and Thriving

So, it’s not just about those above the age of 40. Those that are below this age are meant to watch the consumption of these foods as well.

1) MARGARINE & BUTTER

Although, margarine contains some nutrients and is seen as better option for butter, it also contains hydrogenated oil and trans fat. These two things have been associated with high risk of heart disease and other chronic health issues.

Eating a lot of butter contribute to weight gain and could play a part in raising levels of LDL cholesterol.

2) FRIED FOODS

Fried foods like French fries, chips, etc are not good for the health.

The calories in fried foods like French fries do result in weight gain, which can lead to other diseases as well.

French fries also contains acrylamide which are carcinogenic substances.

Boiling, steaming, roasting, blanching and baking of foods are more healthier options than frying.

3) COOKIES

Cookies are mostly eaten alone or dipped in milk. However, cookies contain lots of sugar that has effects on health.

4) FLAVOURED YOGHURTS

Most times, flavoured yoghurt has more sugar than cakes. Similarly, other flavored health foods like milk, oatmeal, coconut water and smoothies are also laden with sugar.

5) MUFFINS & CUPCAKES

Too much of the sugar could literally make one age.

However, home-baked muffins and cupcakes can be made with stevia or honey stuffed with veggies instead of sugar.

Read: 5 Best substitutes for sugar

6) CARBONATED & SODA DRINKS

Carbonated drinks have high level of sugar. And when sugar consumed in large amounts, it can drive insulin resistance and is also associated with various serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.

They are also highly filled with fructose and caffeine.

The high fructose corn syrup in soda drinks are also stored as fat in the liver.

The best substitute for carbonated and soda drinks is water.

7) DOUGHNUTS

Doughnuts contain plenty of sugar and refined flour which are extremely high in calories.

8) VEGETABLE OILS

Vegetable Oils which includes soybean oil, rapseed oil, grapeseed oil and numerous others are highly processed and have high levels of essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Although omega-6 fatty acids is considered good for the heart but consuming too much of it can cause a negative imbalance with omega-3 fatty acids.

Alternatives oils like coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil.

10) SPORTS DRINK

Sports drinks were designed with athletes in mind.

These drinks contain electrolytes (salts) and sugar, which used by athletes in many cases.

Sport drinks are often considered as better option than sugary soft drinks but there really is no difference between them. It’s just that the sugar content is sometimes slightly lower.

11) CANNED FOODS AND SOUPS

Many canned foods and soups pack are usually packed with high sodium as well as additives such as MSG (Monosodium glutamate) and are also preserved with chemicals not so good for the health. A healthier alternative is to prepare one’s meal or soup at home.

Never heard about MSG in Maggi? Click here to read.

12) PROCESSED & RED MEATS

Processed meats include cold cuts, hot dogs, bacon, and sausage. They are usually high in fat, low in protein, and often packed with nitrites and nitrates, which help to preserve food at room temperature.

Red meats are also linked with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

High consumption of red meat in particular can lead to a high production of uric acid , which causes gout (a metabolic disease marked by a painful inflammation).

Why you need to stop consuming too much of red meat

13) WHITE BREAD

Most commercial breads are unhealthy if eaten in large amounts, as they’re made from refined flour. The body converts flour into glucose and glucose can easily be stores as fat. Flour is also low in fiber and essential nutrients and may lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar.

14) FRUIT JUICE

Fruit juice is often assumed to be healthy.

While juice contains some antioxidants and vitamin C, it also packs high amounts of liquid sugar.

The more concentrated sugar and calories in fruit juice can lead to obesity and inappropriate weight gain.

15) CEREALS

Cereals such as wheat, oats, rice, and corn are full of starch.

Although they are popularly eaten among children but not so good to be consumed by older people.

The major side effect of most break cereals is their high added sugar content