Most of us assume that aging happens gradually and at a steady pace, but a fascinating new study suggests otherwise! Researchers tracked 108 Californians between the ages of 25 and 75 and found that aging happens in distinct peaks—at two key points in time.
The Two Peaks of Aging
The first peak occurs around age 44, when molecular changes affect how the body processes lipids, caffeine, and alcohol. This may explain why some people in their 40s notice that they can no longer tolerate alcohol like they used to or feel more sluggish after a cup of coffee.
The second peak happens around age 60, when the body’s immune function, kidney health, and carbohydrate metabolism begin to shift. You might notice that sugar affects you differently or that certain health concerns become more prominent during this stage.
If you’ve hit one of these milestones, you’re not imagining things! These molecular changes are a natural part of the aging process.
Pro Health Tip: The Power of Seeds
As you age, it’s important to nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods. Seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with lignans (phytoestrogens), essential fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E—all crucial for maintaining good health at any age.
If you’re not already incorporating seeds into your diet, here are some easy ways to start:
🥤 Add a scoop of flax, chia, or hemp seeds to your smoothie
🥣 Mix pumpkin or chia seeds into your yogurt for an added crunch
🥗 Toss some sesame or flax seeds into your salads
🍓 Sprinkle seeds over toast topped with nut butter and fresh fruit
Seeds offer an easy, delicious way to boost your intake of important nutrients, helping you age gracefully and healthfully.
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
EQUIPMENT
- 1 mason jar or container with a lid
INGREDIENTS
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ Tbsp maple syrup more if you want it sweeter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk of choice more if you like thinner overnight oats
- ½ cup oats (steel cut oats or large flake oats)
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds, more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp hemp hearts optional
- 1 Tbsp ground flax optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk to combine, making sure there are no lumps.
- To the same bowl, add milk, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts and ground flax. Mix well to combine. Add the oats and mix again.
- Transfer to a mason jar or container with a lid.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. Garnish with some extra pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!
