Chew On This: What Seniors Need to Know About 4 Trendy Diets

Some popular food trends recommend eliminating refined grains; others shun meat, fish and poultry. While the jury is still out on many of these trendy diets, some have been linked to significant health benefits. But is removing entire food groups good for an aging body?

Here are details about four of today’s most popular diets and offers some surprising facts for older adults to keep in mind. Topics include:

• Gluten-free. These products sometimes have more sugar and fat than products with gluten.
• Juicing. Diabetics should not juice, as the natural sugars in fruits could cause a spike in blood pressure.
• Vegetarian. Removing meat and fish could mean getting less of the essential vitamins that decrease with aging, such as calcium, zinc and iron.
• Vegan. Many vegan foods such as soy-based meats are high in sodium and could increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

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