How This Superfood Can Be a Tasty Part of Your Anti-Aging Diet Strategy

(NC)—In 2001, one in eight Canadians were 65 years-of-age or older. By 2026, one in five Canadians will have reached that golden age. Healthy aging is the key to optimizing the years we have without disease or chronic conditions that may keep us from enjoying life to the fullest.

Eating a variety of nutritious foods that are low fat, high fiber and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, is one good strategy for lowering our risk of disease and disease-related disabilities. Also, it keeps our brains and bodies in tip-top shape as the years pass by. Remember, healthy aging also requires daily physical activity along with activities that exercise the brain.

In general, energy/calorie needs do get lower with aging because we have less muscle, more body fat and many of us tend to be less active. Keep in mind that we still need about the same amount of other important nutrients, including carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and don’t forget the fluids. Here’s how mushrooms can be a tasty part of your anti-aging diet strategy.

Fresh Mushrooms Can Help!

Adding Antioxidants

• Fresh mushrooms contain significant levels of l-ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant that may also help protect the body against disease. Ergothioneine is found in both raw and cooked mushrooms.

Fabulous Fibre

• Fresh mushrooms contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre promotes regularity. Soluble fibre may help regulate blood sugar fluctuations and lower cholesterol levels.

Controlling Blood Pressure

• Fresh mushrooms are naturally very low in sodium and are a great way to boost flavor without adding a lot of salt. A diet low in sodium can help prevent and control high blood pressure.

Winning with Weight

• Fresh mushrooms are perfect for low fat diets as they have high water content, are low in fat and contain some fibre which helps keep you feeling full.

Mushrooms Make a Difference

• Add 1 cup sliced white button mushrooms to egg dishes instead of 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Benefit: save 213 calories, 18 g fat, 12 g saturated fat, 353 mg sodium

• Layer 1/2 cup sliced grilled portabella mushrooms onto sandwiches instead of 3 oz. salami. Benefit: save 336 calories, 30 g fat, 11 g saturated fat, 1582 mg sodium

For more nutritional information, tips and delicious recipes visit Mushrooms Canada at www.mushrooms.ca.