When a person begins to show signs of aging, it is important that his or her needs are properly taken care of. There are people who are too busy to care for the senior citizen in their family which is why some resort to contacting elderly care services in Chicago or wherever they may be.
Speaking of needs, the elderly have very specific needs when it comes to food. It’s recommended to let them eat super foods because of their nutritional content and benefits they present to aging bodies. Check out the following super foods that you can incorporate in your loved one’s diet so he or she can feel healthier, stronger and maybe even younger!
SWEET POTATO
Packed with both nutrients and a sweet flavor, sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile and healthful vegetables available for good senior nutrition. They contain disease-preventing, cancer-fighting and immune-boosting benefits. They are also packed with vitamins A and C, making them a great choice for those who are suffering from arthritis and asthma. This root vegetable may also help diabetics because it ranks low in the glycemic index and has less effect on the blood glucose levels.
PINK SALMON
Pink salmon is one of the healthiest sources or protein for seniors and it is rich with Vitamin D, which helps with bone health as it helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently. It is also filled with omega-3 fats that are known to lower risk for heart disease if they eat at least eight ounces of pink salmon a week.
CRIMINI MUSHROOMS
These nutrition powerhouses have the potential to ward off diseases. They are a good source of B vitamins, pantothenic acid and niacin. There has been an association between niacin intake and age-related cognitive decline prevention, which makes niacin a vital nutrient in keeping Alzheimer’s disease at bay. Niacin can also help interrupt the work of homocysteine, an amino acid which is believed to trigger heart attacks and strokes.
POMEGRANATE
This super fruit has the ability to increase antioxidants in the blood, decrease bad cholesterol and cholesterol plaque build-up in the system. Another health benefit of pomegranate is its role in reduction of heart disease. It is actually better to drink juice rather than eating the fruit because most of the strong antioxidants found in pomegranate are found in the skin, which people always discard.
DARK CHOCOLATE
Senior citizens should not be deprived of dessert. Why not sneak in a bit of dark chocolate after the meal? If taken in moderation, dark chocolate can lead to wonderful health benefits thanks to its antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals that are generated in the system. These free radicals can cause cellular damage, leading to cancer, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses and the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help prevent them from spreading.
Include these super foods in your elderly loved one’s diet so they’ll become healthier and happier!
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