This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Add fish and low-sodium soups to your diet to improve your health and lose weight. That's two of the tips for longevity offered in the July/August AARP Bulletin published by the American Association of Retired Persons.
Each time you eat, chew at least 30 times before swallowing. Important nutrients will be absorbed more readily.
Avoid carbonation as many beverages with bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which can diminish bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Add apricots to your diet. They're high in antioxidants, which help fight cancer and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Eat protein and fat early in the day. Eating these foods at dinnertime tends to increase weight, blood pressure and heart disease.
Other tips include:

