Nutritionists agree that a healthful diet includes a variety of foods.
Food choices also can help reduce the risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis, that are the leading cause of death and disability among Americans. But for seniors, certain foods may pose a significant health hazard because of the level of bacteria present in the product's raw or uncooked state. Raw or unpasteurized milk or cheese. Raw or lightly cooked egg or egg products including salad dressings, cookie or cake batter, sauces, and beverages such as egg nog. Raw meat or poultry.