Too many Italian senior citizens are
making poor food choices and even eating products past their
best-before dates, with potentially risky health effects,
according to a study released Thursday.
Rome's Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore said 200
elderly people with an average age of 74 were involved in the
study that found only 15.4% turned to their family doctor for
nutritional advice.
Instead, for the majority their main source of advice on
food and well-being was the television.
Nutritional deficiencies and less physical activity have
been linked with the onset of physical frailties and reduced
cognitive process, said Francesco Landi of the school's
department of geriatrics.
A diet too rich in sugars and other carbohydrates that the
body absorbs too rapidly not only affects the risk of obesity,
but also reduces cognitive functions.
In contrast, foods with antioxidants, such as fish, oil or
broccoli help to protect against obesity and even some cancers.
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