Ideal Nutrients to Keep Men Healthy
Men's nutritional requirements change slightly between the ages of 19 and 50 years, unlike women who require constant nutritional changes throughout the different stages of their life.
Energy requirements in men are reduced when growth stops and energy needs decrease after the age of 50 when activity levels slow down.
However, as time passes, men are more prone to carry extra weight in the abdominal area (also referred to as central obesity). Healthy men's nutrition is threatened as excessive weight gain puts them at increased risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Drinking alcohol is also another common factor that leads to general and abdominal weight gain. This can turn into a much more serious problem like high blood pressure and even heart attack.
For some men it's impossible to not include saturated fats and alcohol into their diets. However, there are some nutrients that can be of relevance to men's health to have better quality of life.
An abundant intake of lycopene, a carotenoid found in red fruits is highly recommended. Try red grapefruit, watermelon, and tomatoes and tomato products. It's claimed that men who have high intakes of lycopene appear to have lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Zinc is another great nutrient in men's health. Zinc has an important role in fertility, as it's involved in the sex hormone production and selenium, which is involved in sperm motility. Zinc intake is also good to prevent prostate cancer. Find zinc in Brazil nuts, seafood, meat and poultry.
A good source of nutrients is an essential factor in disease prevention. Remember that a lack of the proper vitamins and minerals is also linked to accelerated aging. You're not only as young as you think you are, but your real age is affected by your nutritional choices.
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Published on August 21, 2008