Also, these foods are good sources of iron and zinc. As you age, blood levels of vitamin B-12 usually decrease. Vitamin B-12 is needed to make red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system. Animal foods are good sources of vitamin B-12. They also may help protect you against the adverse effects of everyday cancer causing agents such as pollution, dietary factors, tobacco smoke, and viruses.
Antioxidants are compounds, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are found in foods.
They protect us from cell damage and may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and may slow down the aging process. Phytochemicals are chemicals or ingredients naturally found in all plant foods. Some phytochemicals help to protect a healthy, normal cell from turning into a cancerous cell. Also, phytochemicals may slow down the growth of tumor cells. Eat colorful meals and snacks by choosing lots of fruits, vegetables, dried beans, nuts and whole-grain foods.