• Belinda Norton, from the Gold Coast, eats oysters every week
• The high zinc and omega-3 content plays a key role in aging well

A physical education teacher known for transforming her body in her 40s has revealed the one food she eats every week to stay in top shape: oysters.

Belinda Norton, a 45-year-old mother of two from the Gold Coast, is fitter now than she was in her 20s after replacing cardio with resistance training and making simple changes to her diet .

And oysters, she says, play a key role in her health both inside and out and are a “must eat” every week.

“Sea-grown oysters are a rich source of vitamin D, copper, zinc and manganese. These micronutrients, along with calcium, are considered essential in slowing down or even preventing bone loss in older women due to osteoporosis,” said the physical and health educator.

“Oysters boost sexual performance and libido, thanks to their high zinc content. Zinc is also associated with sexual dysfunction and it is also beneficial for embryonic development in women. Premenopausal women need almost double the amount.

“Iron is a key in the formation of red blood cells in the body. It’s the primary defense against anemia, also known as iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, stomach upset, and general muscle weakness.

Belinda also said they can benefit the heart due to high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and are known to be important when it comes to the body’s ability to heal itself.

“Zinc is also important for proper growth and development in children and adults, and for maintaining bodily functions in people of all ages,” she said.

“Eat them responsibly and you can take advantage of the wide range of health benefits they have to offer, and you can also help your depleted mineral levels.”

The recommended amount is six to eight fresh or cooked oysters once or twice a week.

Belinda also eats three specific foods every day to stay healthy: two raw carrots and a cucumber.

The fiber in carrots helps control your blood sugar, while eating cucumbers “hydrates the body and leads to health benefits including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity, and lower blood sugar.” .

“Grab a bag of carrots and cucumbers the next time you go to the supermarket and snack, snack,” she said.

“These really are the perfect snacks.”