Five Foods To Avoid Once You Clock 20 Years [And Five To Adopt]

Speaking of foods, nutrition is one vital aspect and part of life that has always been overlooked by the majority of individuals.

Choosing a diet has a major impact on not only how long we live but also how well we live. With a good nutritional lifestyle, one can easily escape the shackles of most illnesses as the body will be in perfect condition to ward off any incumbent illness.

On the other hand, age is a huge factor when it comes to nutrition. Thus, at a certain age, there are certain foods one should avoid. So let’s take a look at the five foods to avoid once you get to 20 years of age.

Five Foods To Avoid At 20 Years Of Age

The following five foods to avoid eating once you get to 20 years of age or older are according to renowned dieticians and nutritionists worldwide.

1. Soda

Soda or simply called soft drinks are the powerhouses of industrial sugar. The level of sugar contained in such drinks cannot be reckoned with. And you surely know the detrimental effect excessive intake of sugar has on human health, particularly on adults from 20 years of age and above.

In men, excessive intake of sugar and sugary substances has been found to affect reproductive activity negatively. While in females, it greatly affects the menstrual hormone which in turn brings about acne growth, especially along the jawline.

Generally, excess sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, diabetes, and damage to skin proteins which brings about rapid ageing of the skin and wrinkles. That is it makes you look older than your age as you continually consume an excess of it.

2. Alcohol

This shouldn’t come as a surprise in this list, but that does not mean that alcohol is totally bad. Alcohol is not bad for the heath, in fact, it plays various beneficial functions to human health but excess intake of this product is a potential killer.

The list of the negative effects the excessive intake of this product brings about is quite lengthy. Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to high blood pressure (which is the result of two forces; systolic and diastolic blood pressures), cardiovascular disorders (also known as heart disease), breast cancer, colon cancer, throat cancer, liver disease, as well as the weak immune system, bones and muscles.

3. Fries

You may be wondering why something as lovely as fries is bad for your health especially now that you’ve clocked 20 years of age. Well, that is simply because they are a result of a process called deep-frying. This brings about an increase in Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

According to center for disease control and prevention (CDC), high levels of low-density lipoprotein increase one’s chances of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

4. Energy drinks

One major ingredient used in the production of energy drinks is caffeine. Though the major factor behind the sudden strength you begin to exhibit after taking energy drinks, its demerits far outweigh its merits.

Caffeine induces hypoperfusion which is a drastically reduced flow of blood in the cerebral. Also, due to its major aim of trying to keep you awake and active, it thereby makes you restless and nervous.

Excessive intake of high caffeine-containing energy drinks can lead to insomnia (finding it difficult to fall asleep), nausea (inclination to vomit), and irregular heartbeat, and can go as far as outrightly leading to the death of the consumer.

5. Pizza

Pizza is loved by almost everyone. However, for someone who is 20 years of age and above, don’t dare love it too much.

As delicious as pizza is, some of its harmful effects on human health include; an increase in the chances of having cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. This is a result of it being extremely high in calories, sodium and saturated fat.

With the list of five foods to avoid once you get to 20 years of age concluded, let’s take a look at the other five foods that are advisable to consume.

Five Foods To Adopt Once You Clock 20 Years Of Age

1. Almonds

This happens to be the very first on this list of five foods to adopt once you get to 20 years of age. It is highly rich in vitamins and minerals.

Some of its constituents include; riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium, and fibre.

2. Mangoes

Though a seasonal food (usually during summer), mango is one of the few foods or fruits with little to no side effects, thus the reason for making this list of five foods that is beneficial to human health.

Mango consists of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals.

Whenever opportunity to see this deli, ensure you grab one or two and give your health the nutritional benefits it requires.

3. Sweet potatoes

Looking for natural sugar? Then sweet potatoes are one of the go-to foods for you.

Sweet potatoes provide numerous nutritional values to human health. It provides fat, protein, fibre, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, and niacin, as well as vitamin A, B6, and vitamin C.

It has also been found to possess properties that help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

4. Broccoli

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to you as broccoli has a worldwide reputation as an extremely nutritious food.

Broccoli is a very rich source of antioxidants (responsible for combating free radicals), vitamins, and minerals.

5. Oatmeal

As the saying goes, “save the best for the last”. A negative effect of daily consumption of oatmeal is still yet to exist.

It is all-around healthy food and everyday consumption is highly advisable. The health benefits of oatmeal are vastly numerous and they include;

Daily consumption of oatmeal aids in lowering sugar levels in the blood.
Provision of antioxidants (Africa blog directory).
Provision of protein and fibre to help lower body weight.
Generally, it improves cholesterol levels and eradicates the chances of type-2 diabetes.
It solves the issue of irritation and itching of the skin.
It also reduces the chances of colon cancer.

Finally, just as the saying goes, “health is wealth,” so do well to take very good care of your health by critically observing your nutritional lifestyle.