5 Superfoods for Seniors to Try This Season
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is crucial at any age. However, nutritious meals are vital for older adults. Proper nutrition keeps seniors stronger for longer, boosts energy, maintains a healthy weight, and prevents certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Older adults should consume plenty of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and vitamins and nutrients daily. Plus, they must drink enough water to stay properly hydrated. However, hectic schedules, cognitive disorders, chronic conditions, and memory loss can make it challenging for seniors to prepare delicious and nutritious meals.
Superfoods to Try for a Healthier Diet
Luckily, plenty of hacks make it easier for older adults to eat healthily, including superfoods. These nutrient-rich foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that support seniors’ health and well-being.
Want to add more superfoods to your daily diet? Here are five to try!
1. Root Veggies
Root and cruciferous vegetables are loaded with healthy benefits for seniors. They contain disease-fighting properties that can reduce cancer risk and other health issues. These veggies are also high in fiber, helping seniors lower their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
Broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, and beetroot are some root vegetables you can add to your plate.
2. Grains
In addition to dark leafy vegetables, older adults should eat healthy grains. Avoid highly processed grains, which increase blood sugar levels and trigger inflammation. Instead, choose barley, brown rice, steel-cut oats, and quinoa.
Visiting Angels of The Greater Susquehanna Valley helps seniors prepare mouthwatering meals that contain healthy grains. Our in-home caregivers can assist you with meal planning and preparation to whip up pasta, oatmeal, and more delicious dishes.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are “healthy fats” that seniors should regularly consume. These fats can reduce inflammation and the risk of cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.
Want to increase the omega-3 fatty acids in your diet? Add flax seeds or crushed walnuts to your salad, smoothie, or cereal. Salmon and avocados are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Garlic
Even though it can stink up your breath, garlic is a powerful superfood with many health benefits. It has natural antifungal, antibiotic, and antiviral properties and can help reduce high blood pressure, boost immunity, and even fight cancer.
Not a fan of garlic? Other healthy herbs to try include turmeric, ginger, and rosemary.
5. Dark Chocolate
Believe it or not, dark chocolate is a superfood that helps keep seniors healthy. This is excellent news for older adults who love sweets! Dark chocolate that contains 70% cacao has the most health benefits because it is brimming with antioxidants.
Just be sure to enjoy dark chocolate treats in moderation.
Prepare Delicious Meals with Help from Us
Need help adding these superfoods to your diet? Visiting Angels of The Greater Susquehanna Valley is happy to lend a hand! Our caregivers can drive you to the supermarket, help you make your grocery list, and assist with cooking and cleanup.
Contact us today at (570) 768-4747 for more information. We serve seniors throughout Williamsport, Lewisburg, Danville, Lock Haven, Sunbury, and the surrounding areas. We look forward to speaking to you!