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Nutrition for Seniors and Four Foods to Include in Their Diet

Senior Care in Elizabeth NJ

Senior Care in Elizabeth NJ

For seniors receiving in-home care, it’s vitally important they eat as healthy of a diet as possible. Eating well can provide many benefits for seniors including living longer and sharpening their mind. Seniors should eat foods containing adequate amounts of calcium, protein, and Vitamins A and D. They should also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Seniors Senior Care in Elizabeth NJ who want optimum health should avoid eating foods that are high in sugar and sodium. Skipping meals is also not a good idea. The amount of calories seniors receiving elder care should consume depends on their gender and activity level.

Women Over 50:

  • 1,600 calories for low level of activity
  • 1,800 calories for moderate level of activity
  • 2,000 to 2,200 calories for high level of activity

Men Over 50:

  • 2,000 to 2,200 calories for low level of activity
  • 2,200 to 2,400 calories for moderate level of activity
  • 2,400 to 2,800 calories for high level of activity

These are recommended guidelines but for seniors with underlying health issues, they should check with their doctor before making substantial changes to their diet.

For seniors who want to enjoy optimum health throughout their golden years, here are four foods that are especially nutritious and can be eaten on a daily basis.

Apples

These delicious fruits come in many varieties and contain the following:

  • Vitamin C boosts the immune system
  • Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and aid in digestion
  • Flavonoids help prevent heart disease
  • Phytonutrients help protect brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Apples taste great with peanut or almond butter for an added protein boost.

Oatmeal

Long known for its ability to help lower cholesterol, oatmeal contains the following:

  • Soluble fiber aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar
  • Protein keeps muscles strong
  • Iron helps fight fatigue

It’s important not to load up oatmeal with sugar or other harmful sweeteners or eat the instant kind. Try adding blueberries, bananas, or honey, instead.

Olive Oil

While seniors certainly don’t want to drink olive oil, they should include enough of it in their diet as it contains the following:

  • Monosaturated fat helps lower blood cholesterol levels
  • Vitamin K aids in clotting the blood
  • Vitamin E creates red blood cells
  • Properties that improve bone mineralization and calcification

Olive oil can easily replace butter when cooking. The recommended daily dose of olive oil is about two tablespoons.

Greek Yogurt

This snack is a delicious choice and is a great filler for in between meals. Fresh fruit can easily be added for an instant dessert. Greek yogurt contains the following:

  • Protein helps stave off hunger in between meals
  • Calcium strengthens bones and teeth
  • Probiotics keep digestive system healthy

For those receiving senior care, these are four simple foods can be easily incorporated into their diet on a daily basis. Seniors will reap the benefits for doing so.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care services near Elizabeth, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at (908-418-4299).

Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.

Source
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/knowhowmuchtoeat/01.html

http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-benefits

Robert D'Arienzo

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