It is known that women live longer than men, but this does not necessarily mean they live with a better quality of life – they are associated with higher rates of disease. A study from the University of Georgia, in the United States, suggests that a diet based on certain foods can ensure that the extra years they live are lived in better health.
The trick lies in carotenoid-rich foods, such as kale, spinach, carrot, tomato, bell pepper, watermelon, and orange. These vegetables and fruits contribute to good vision and cognitive function.
The explanation, according to author Billy R. Hammond, lies in how the body stores vitamins and minerals. On average, women have more body fat, which retains vitamins and minerals, something useful during pregnancy but that makes these nutrients less available to the retina and brain, increasing the risk of degenerative diseases.
“Men and women eat approximately the same amount of these carotenoids, but the requirements for women are much higher.”, says the researcher. “Part of the idea of this article is to convey that the recommendations need to be altered, so that women are aware of these vulnerabilities and that they need to proactively address them, so that they do not have these problems later.”
