Physical Activity May Be Associated With Lower Risk Of Death In Older Women; Try These Foods Too!

Physical activity, whether moderate or high intensity, has been associated with lower risk of death in older women. According to a research published in the Journal Circulation, lack of exercise or physical activity is estimated to cause as many deaths each year as smoking. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity, and muscle strengthening exercises two or more days a week.

A new study led by researchers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital investigated physical activity of women measured over seven days and found that more physical activity and higher intensities of physical activity could decrease the risk of death in older women from any cause. Moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with 60-70 percent lower risk of death at the end of the four-year study among the most active women, compared to the least active.

Light physical activity including slow walking, was not linked with lower death rate during the study. Researchers noted that light activity may be beneficial for other health outcomes not reported in this paper. Researchers are continuing this study to examine other health outcomes and to examine details of how much and what kinds of activity are healthful.

Along with physical activity, it also depends on what you choose to include in your daily diet. Healthy eating habits have also been associated with lower risk of developing diseases. Here are some foods that you can include in your daily diet-

1. Nuts

Including nuts in your diet may help improve brain activity, which further helps keep the body active, thus enabling the person to feel energetic. You should include a handful of nuts including almond, walnut, cashew and pistachios every day.

2. Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are rich in fiber and various nutrients. Fiber helps to keep your digestive system strong which tends to weaken as your age. The nutrients help to replenish your body and help it function properly.

3. Green Tea

Drinking around three cups of green tea on a daily basis has the potential to reverse cellular damage and increase longevity of cell life. Green tea bags can also be dabbed on the skin to give it a glowing look.

4. Antioxidant rich foods

Antioxidant rich foods include organic fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants prevent the process of oxidation and removes harmful free radicals from the blood which could lead to major diseases like cancer and heart ailments.