With the right diet, even with some age and condition specific restrictions, you can stay healthy and enjoy the moment. Eating chickpeas is one of the best choices for a nutritious diet as you approach or pass your 50s. It provides a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals which not only can help prevent disease but also provide energy to make life often more enjoyable. Here are 5 good reasons why eating chickpeas after 50 should be part of your lifestyle!
Keep your digestive health on top.
Eating chickpeas after 50 can be a smart way to improve overall digestive health. These particular legumes, which are high in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, are known for their ability to reduce constipation, stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol. In addition, the plant-based proteins they provide help maintain a healthy weight.
For people over 50 who suffer from symptoms such as bloating or frequent indigestion, eating chickpeas can provide the relief they need without the need for expensive drugs or treatments. With small daily changes like this, it’s possible to improve your digestive health easily and naturally while still enjoying nutritious foods!
Preserve muscle mass like a 30 year old.
Eating chickpeas after 50 can help build muscle mass and preserve strength, thanks to the many nutritional benefits of this vegetable. Chickpeas are an excellent source of vegetable protein, with almost 8.86 g per 100 g, or 18% of the daily recommended nutritional value. These proteins contribute to the formation of new tissues necessary to increase and maintain muscle mass.
Finally, the potassium in chickpeas helps control blood pressure while reducing sodium levels in the body: two key factors in maintaining strong bones and muscles that tend to weaken over time. Incorporating this versatile staple into your diet at any age is a great way to stay healthy and vibrant well into your 50s!
Successfully overcome menopause.
Eating chickpeas after age 50 may be an especially helpful food for postmenopausal women. Since chickpeas are rich in isoflavones, these compounds may offer invaluable pseudo-estrogenic properties. This can mimic the effects of hormones such as estrogen, acting as a natural remedy to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes that can develop during this phase of life. Additionally, eating chickpeas may have cardiovascular benefits by reducing bad cholesterol levels, which is another potential benefit at this age when looking after your health is especially important.
Support cognitive functions.
Eating chickpeas along with a balanced diet after 50 can help support cognitive function naturally. The high choline content in chickpeas helps the body produce neurotransmitters, which are needed to send signals to the brain and muscles throughout the body. Choline helps us stay alert and control our moods. Selenium, another important nutrient found in chickpeas, is known for its ability to boost memory and protect against age-related cognitive decline. With this in mind, research indicates that older adults with higher levels of selenium are associated with better performance on tests of mental agility, orientation, and attention. Therefore, the consumption of chickpeas can be beneficial for those who wish to maintain their cognitive functions at all times of their life.
Fill your daily iron intake.
After age 50, the body’s ability to absorb iron from food decreases, making it increasingly difficult to meet daily iron intake. Eating chickpeas is an easy way to boost your iron intake, as they are an excellent source of dietary iron. 100g of cooked chickpeas contain 1.3 milligrams of iron, or nearly 13% of the recommended daily intake for adults over 50. So if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to prevent iron deficiency, chickpeas can be a great help!
