According to a report released by the World Health Organization, 80 percent or more of all Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke cases, and 40 percent of cancer conditions can be prevented if people eat healthier, become more physically active, and quit smoking.
Eating more healthily is something you can start at any time in your life but once you reach old age it can be essential to getting the most out of your life and ensuring you live as long as possible and as healthily as possible. As we age some habits become hard to break, especially if we find ourselves becoming less independent, moving into assisted living facilities or relying on others for our meals. All good care environments ensure their residents have access to healthy, nutritious meals but below is a closer look at five superfoods that should be part of any senior diet.
Avocados
If you are thinking of cutting butter and cream from your diet, avocados can be a fantastic substitute. These green fruits are loaded with folate, potassium, and vitamin K, and they are known to boost the production of red blood cells and the repair of damaged DNA. Although avocados are high in calories, they contain monounsaturated fats that can effectively control cholesterol.
Prunes
Other than their distinct flavor, there are many reasons why prunes have found their way into the diets of many elderly people. Besides helping seniors live comfortable and healthier lives, these chewy snacks also provide a lot of health benefits. Containing large quantities of vitamin C, K, and B, prunes can promote weight loss, strengthen bones, increase iron absorption, improve heart health, and prevent diabetes.
Barley
Good news for beer drinkers. Since beer contains barley, two glasses of it provides up to 10 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. This grain can lower cholesterol, improve the production of healthy bacteria, enhance intestinal production, and prevent heart disease and colon cancer. Alcohol is always something you should keep in moderation but barley is great for the bowels and this is often something which older people need a little extra help with.
Olive Oil
Widely known as an essential ingredient in Italian cooking, olive oil offers many great health benefits. It is packed with healthy fats, as well as vitamin E and K, and it has anti-inflammatory properties for combating arthritis and other inflammation-induced diseases. It can also lower the risk of heart diseases.
Cashews
Containing large amounts of iron and zinc, cashews can improve the delivery of oxygen to your cells to prevent anemia and enhance your vision and immune system. They are also beneficial to brain health. The presence of magnesium can help boost your memory.
It can be hard to adapt your lifestyle in later life, especially if you have to rely on others for your meals. However, incorporating the above-mentioned superfoods into your daily diet can improve your health both in the present and future. Getting the most out of your life should be a goal at any age but it becomes more pressing as you reach later life.
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