Certified Nursing Assistants
As humans age, it becomes imperative to fuel our bodies with healthful foods. Many health problems cannot be simply solved by eating a salad ‘every once in a while.’ Certified nursing assistants can help ensure your elderly loved one is eating properly.
Luckily, with advancements in data, nutritionists can ascertain which superfoods can best aid humans in their journey through aging.
The following explores four superfoods that are great dietary options for senior citizens.
- Whole Grains
Whole grains are an all-around superfood. This is because they are fibrous and a great source of folic acid. This acid is a powerhouse; it helps generate blood cells, aids in the production of proteins, and can improve digestion.
Many senior citizens are prone to folic acid deficiency. This can lead to anemia, lethargy, and heart palpitations. Thus, through quelling this deficiency, whole grains solidify themselves as a senior citizen superfood.
- Blueberries
The most economical of the berries would have to be the blueberry. This tiny fruit is low in calories but high in nutritional impact. Many scientists believe that blueberries lower LDL cholesterol, increase antioxidant levels, and counter harmful free radicals.
It is the antioxidant properties that make blueberries a superfood for senior citizens. With the ability to fight free radicals, blueberries can actively combat DNA damage. This damage is considered a main cause for the onset of disease, such as cancer.
A 2007 study conducted by the Department of Health Risk Analysis and Toxicology found a correlation between blueberries and DNA repair. After a test group incorporated blueberries into their diet, their oxidative DNA damage decreased by a twenty percent. These results were seen in as little as a month!
- Sweet Potatoes
This starchy root vegetable is not just for Thanksgiving! Sweet potatoes are a multi-faceted superfood that are deceptively healthy.
In fact, one spud contains more than 400% of the daily requirement for Vitamin A. It also includes hefty amounts of Vitamin C and E. Together, these vitamins can help protect elderly eyes through the aging process, prevent degenerative damage, and decrease the possibility of age-related macular degeneration.
This vegetable, although sweet, is also believed to help those suffering from diabetes. Due to its low ranking on the glycemic index, it’s been shown to have a minuscule effect on blood sugar levels.
- Flax Seeds
Teeming with omega-3 acids, flax seeds are a great addition to a balanced diet. Omega 3s have been proven to reduce inflammation. This, in turn, provides an entire host of health benefits. These include lowering the risk of stroke, fighting the onset of Alzheimer\’s, and reducing the likelihood of development of arthritis.
At Lotus Wellness Center you will find a team of professionals that provide top-quality therapeutic care in a friendly, comfortable, and nurturing environment.