Tips for Longer, Healthier Life

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Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life

 

Making the Most of those Extra Years

 

(ARA) - Life expectancy in the United States is at an all time high of

77.2 years. Americans are living longer for many reasons, including

progress in fighting illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and

stroke. In addition, individuals are now better informed on how to be

more in control of their health by eating right, exercising regularly

and taking other simple steps to promote good health and prevent

serious illness and disease.

 

Proper nutrition plays a key role in healthy aging. As we age, our

nutritional needs change. So while seniors need the same nutrients as

younger people, they need them in different amounts. And while the

need for most nutrients decreases with age due to decreased activity

levels, the need for protein actually increases later in life.

 

For seniors, getting enough protein helps maintain adequate muscle

mass, fights infection and aids in maintaining strength during trauma.

However, studies have found that age brings a decrease in energy

intake. Older adults may have trouble chewing, swallowing or digesting

protein-rich foods such as meat or poultry. In addition, decreased

functions of taste and smell may make food less appealing overall,

leading to a lack of calories and nutrients.

 

To increase their overall intake of protein, seniors should consider

adding whey protein to their diet. Whey protein, one of the highest

quality proteins available, comes from cow's milk and contains many of

the same components found in mother's milk. It is easily digested and

efficiently used by the body. " Whey proteins are complete proteins,

supplying the body with essential amino acids required for good

health. This is why whey proteins provide excellent nutrition for

people at every stage of life, including seniors, " says Carla

Sorensen, director of the Whey Protein Institute.

 

Whey proteins also enhance the production of glutathione, one of the

body's natural anti-oxidants and help maintain adequate glutathione

(GHS) levels to aid the immune system. GSH plays a key role in

maintaining and building the immune system. " We see a link between a

lower glutathione content in older individuals and an increase in the

incidence of many diseases such as stroke, arthritis, macular

degeneration and heart disease, " says Patricia Kongshavn, Ph.D., an

immunologist and pioneer in whey protein research.

 

A recent clinical study found that a specific type of whey protein

helped to reduce blood pressure in individuals with borderline

hypertension. " While whey protein should not be substituted for

prescription medication, it may be a good complement to your current

program, " says Sorensen. She also points out that cancer patients who

are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy often have reduced levels of

GSH and may find whey protein beneficial in boosting their immune

system.

 

If you aren't familiar with whey protein, you may be wondering how you

can incorporate it into your diet. Adding whey protein to your menu is

simple and tasty. Whey protein bars and beverages can be purchased in

grocery stores, or you can make your own healthy snacks using whey

protein powder, which is readily available in health food stores,

natural food stores and many fitness centers.

 

Here is a simple recipe to show how easy it is to incorporate the

benefits of whey into your diet.

 

Pudding with Whey Protein

 

Ingredients:

 

1 package instant pudding (any flavor)*

 

2 servings whey protein, natural, vanilla or chocolate flavor

 

2 cups skim milk

 

Directions: Combine instant pudding and whey protein. Add skim milk

and mix according to package directions. Refrigerate 15 minutes before

serving. Makes 4 servings.

 

Nutrition information (per serving): 200 calories, 15 grams of

protein, 1.5 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates.

 

Dietary exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.

 

* Sugar free pudding may be used in place of regular pudding to reduce

calories and carbohydrates.

 

For more recipes and information on the health benefits of whey

protein, visit the Whey Protein Institute's Web site at

www.wheyoflife.org, or call toll-free (866) WHY-WHEY.

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Courtesy of ARA Content, http://www.aracontent.com

 

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