Other people

Ageing is a normal process that affects all parts of the body at varying rates. However, older people tend to be more prone to disease, and when they are ill they are often not as able to absorb and use many essential nutrients effectively.

VEGETARIANS
There are many non-meat sources of iron, but this type of iron is not as easily absorbed by the body as that derived from meat. Consequently, vegetarians are more likely to have low iron levels and, thus, an increased risk of developing anaemia when their need for iron increases, such as during pregnancy. To avoid this, it is advised to drink orange juice with meals because vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron in foods eaten at the same time. Conversely, drinks such as tea and coffee, which contain tannins, inhibit the absorption of iron and should only be drunk between meals and very weak.

ETHNIC MINORITIES
People from ethnic minorities need to pay special attention to ensuring they maintain a healthy balanced diet. People from certain ethnic minorities such as those from Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities seem to be particularly prone to developing heart disease.  The best way to protect against this is by living a healthy lifestyle.  A healthy lifestyle means:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Watching your weight
• Giving up or cutting down on smoking
• Not drinking too much alcohol
• Staying active

Use the food selection guide below to select a variety of familiar foods from each group in the proportions shown.

Click here to see South Asian Plate