The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
Getting proper nutrition as you age is essential to living a long and healthy life. While basic nutrition needs remain fairly stable throughout your lifetime, the need for certain nutrients may increase or decrease with age. By keeping a nutritious diet and knowing how to obtain the proper nutrients, seniors can work to prevent certain age-related diseases and even help to counteract the aging process.
Every senior’s diet should include these superfoods:
Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat that helps lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. This fat also contains Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is essential for having a strong immune system, skin, and eyes.
Chocolate
Chocolate is extremely high in flavonoids, antioxidants that help sustain the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining a healthy blood flow aids in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.
Blueberries
Compounds found in blueberries called polyphenols protect the brain against damage caused by environmental toxins that are associated with age-related memory loss and decline in motor function.
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fiber and full of vitamins to help the body. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, vitamin C leads to a healthy immune system, and vitamin K benefits bones and tissues.
Fish
Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit heart health and decrease the risk of an abnormal heartbeat. Salmon in particular has additional benefits – recent studies have shown that salmon contains bioactive proteins that help provide support to joint cartilage and insulin effectiveness.
By consuming these healthy fats and vitamins, seniors can aid their bodies in numerous ways from healthy skin to strong bones and tissues. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring either, at Paradise Living Centers we prepare all of the residents’ meals fresh, daily. We are conscious that our meals are appetizing but we consider the nutritional values of the foods that we serve to benefit our community at Paradise Living Centers.
