Every health-conscious senior should try to eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. If they want to extend their life spans, seniors should make sure to include some longevity-extending foods in their diets. Here are seven foods that may help people live longer lives.
1. Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber. The antioxidants prevent the cellular oxidation that can contribute to cognitive decline and other age-related conditions. Fiber keeps the digestive system on track, which is essential for overall health. Berries are also low on the glycemic index, which maintains balanced insulin levels.
Studies suggest low-glycemic diets can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and other orange vegetables like carrots and squash are rich in vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for longevity because it boosts immune health. Sweet potatoes also have the benefit of being complex carbohydrates, which take more time to digest than simple carbs. This extended metabolization process reduces inflammation and regulates insulin.
3. Coconut
Coconut is packed with plenty of life-extending nutrients. It contains plant-based fats that trigger the production of healthy cholesterol, which helps the body make important youth-promoting hormones. Seniors who don’t want to eat coconut can use coconut oil for cooking instead.
Some seniors may need assistance with daily tasks such as meal prep. Green Valley respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Apples
As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. There’s a kernel of truth in the old adage because apples contain plenty of fiber and antioxidants. Green apples are known for boosting digestive health, but red apples often have more antioxidants.
5. Walnuts
Seniors who like to snack should make sure to have walnuts on hand. These nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits for seniors. They mitigate several risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. They also reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help seniors with arthritis or cardiovascular conditions. In the body, omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in the brain, and consuming them in large quantities may promote cognitive health and ward off Alzheimer’s and dementia.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has notable health benefits thanks to its high antioxidant content. In its purest form, dark chocolate has an incredible amount of antioxidant compounds, such as catechins, flavanols, and polyphenols. These compounds prevent free radicals and environmental toxins from wreaking havoc in the body, a process that can lead to premature aging on a cellular level.
7. Greek Yogurt
Inflammation isn’t just a painful inconvenience. It can also speed up the aging process. To reduce systemic inflammation, seniors should turn to probiotics. These beneficial bacteria boost gut health, which can get rid of inflammation in the rest of the body. While seniors can opt to take probiotic supplements, they should also try to get some of their daily intake via food. Greek yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics, and it also contains the calcium and vitamin D seniors need to maintain bone health.
Seniors who need assistance with tasks such as preparing healthy meals and going grocery shopping can benefit from the help of professional caregivers. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of home care in Green Valley Embrace In-Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (520) 625-2050.