Millennials are now the largest healthy eating consumer group in Australia (32%), showing that this age group is breaking with previous generations to embrace more fresh, healthy food choices.
Children 2-4 years have the highest diet quality with a total HEI score of 62, followed by Older Americans ages 60 and over with a total HEI score of 61.
Although there is little difference across the age groups it is worthwhile noting that Baby Boomers (80%) are more likely to report feeling well and in good health, while the youngest, Generation Z (75%), are a good 5% points behind their grandparents.”
Women, infants, children, and adolescents are at particular risk of malnutrition. Optimizing nutrition early in life—including the 1000 days from conception to a child's second birthday—ensures the best possible start in life, with long-term benefits. Poverty amplifies the risk of, and risks from, malnutrition.
The 5 food groups
grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high-fibre varieties – 4 to 6 serves a day. fruit – 2 serves a day. lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, and legumes or beans – 2.5 to 3 serves a day. Dairy and alternatives (mostly reduced fat) – 2.5 to 4 serves a day.
The Healthy Eating Pyramid is a simple visual guide to the types and proportion of foods that we should eat every day for good health. It contains the five core food groups, plus healthy fats, according to how much they contribute to a balanced diet based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines (2013).
Age becomes more important to protein intake as you hit 65+. Once you reach your 60s, you might want to begin upping the amount of protein you consume per day in an effort to maintain muscle mass and strength, bone health and other essential physiological functions.
When refined carbs integrate with protein, it causes the formation of AGEs . AGEs have a direct effect on chronic diseases as well as the aging process. Foods with a high glycemic index, like white bread, can cause inflammation in the body, which is directly linked to the aging process.
Obesity is more common in older age groups – 16% of adults aged 18–24 were obese, compared with 41% of adults aged 65–74.
"The Aussie climate definitely drives a more active lifestyle simply because we tend to spend more time outdoors. We also have access to beautiful fresh produce all year round, which means it's easier to make better food choices and nourish our bodies in the right way."
Quick Fast Food Industry Statistics
⅓ of Americans are eating fast food on any given day. People ages 20-39 years old eat the most fast food on any given day. Men consume more fast food than women.
It's well known that diet and exercise can each help prevent a range of chronic diseases. Being physically active can boost your brain health, reduce your risk of disease and strengthen your bones and muscles, and a healthy diet can increase your longevity, boost immunity, and lower your risk of chronic disease.
The answer is yes, eating fewer calories can improve biomarkers that may contribute to slower aging and a longer life. A biomarker is part of a DNA sequence that can indicate the presence of disease. Simply put, when biomarkers improve, health improves.
Refined, processed sugars found in packaged foods—like sodas, sweets, and candy bars—trigger inflammation. A 2010 dermatology study also found that sugar ages skin by causing the cross-linking of collagen fibers. To translate, this causes wrinkles and makes our skin drier and less elastic.
Green leafy vegetables: kale, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts. People who often eat green leafy vegetables have brains that are up to 11 years younger. Also, their blood vessels are much healthier. People who regularly eat leafy greens had about 16 percent less risk of a heart attack (R).
Extra protein intake also can lead to elevated blood lipids and heart disease because many high-protein foods you eat are high in total and saturated fat. Extra protein intake, which can tax the kidneys, poses an additional risk to people predisposed to kidney disease.
As you age, your body requires roughly 50% more protein than a younger adult to better preserve muscle mass and strength to maintain a certain quality of life. Having sufficient protein also helps to increase the body's immune functions and reduce recovery time from illness.
Serious protein deficiency can cause swelling, fatty liver, skin degeneration, increase the severity of infections and stunt growth in children. While true deficiency is rare in developed countries, low intake may cause muscle wasting and increase the risk of bone fractures.
Diet and nutrition in Australia According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, most Australians have a poor diet. The Australian dietary guidelines recommend a variety of foods including plenty of vegetables as well as fruit, grains, lean meat, and other protein, and low-fat dairy.
Fruit and vegetables are grown throughout Australia and wheat is a main component of the Australian diet.
Australian Dietary Guidelines
vegetables and legumes/beans. fruit. grain (cereal) foods. lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds and legumes/beans.