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Super Foods for Seniors: How to Eat Like You Will Live Forever

By Ruby Cemental

A healthy diet can transform any lifestyle. Below is a list of superfoods for seniors that includes ideas for recipes and the health benefits of each food. Using this guide, you can eat like you want to live forever in good health.

1. Dark Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, dandelion greens, arugula are essential superfoods in any senior's diet. Dark leafy greens have high doses of Vitamin K, which helps the blood to clot and can reduce bone fragility. Throw these greens into your salad or cook them into a pasta sauce for easy intake of your daily Vitamin K!

2. Green Tea

Green Tea aids in digestion and can help boost your metabolism. If you suffer from constipation, a few cups of green tea can help bring relief. Alternatively, if you or the senior you are caring for overeats, a cup or two of green tea can work as an appetite suppressant. Green Tea is packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Serve it with a bit of honey or lemon and enjoy!

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and help fight off heart disease. They are delicious all by themselves, can be served on top of yogurt as a dessert, or with oatmeal for an extra dose of fiber for breakfast.

4. Salmon

Salmon is packed with Omega -3 fatty acids. The Omega 3 acids help lower your blood fat count, which in turn helps lower your risk for heart disease. Bake your salmon in the oven at 425 degrees with a splash of olive oil and season to your liking. Serve with a whole grain (such as brown rice) and a green vegetable for a complete meal that not only tastes good but is good for you.

5. Orange Juice with Calcium

It isn't just milk that builds strong bones and teeth, the Orange Juice + Calcium does too! One glass of this is equivalent to a glass of milk without all of the added hormones that are in cow's milk. The calcium ensures good bone health while the oranges provide fiber and Vitamin D.

6. Whole grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and helps to protects the body from certain diseases. Some of the best whole grains include wheat germ, oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice.

At Caring Senior Service we are always ready to help seniors and their families by providing professional advice and services. As you consider ways to give support to your aging parents or relatives, consider including us in your plans. Contact our care team today!

7. Beans

Beans are the highest on the scale when it comes to antioxidants. Red beans have more per serving in terms of protein, vitamins, calcium, and fiber. Pinto beans, small red beans, black beans, and kidney beans are excellent choices for high antioxidant content.

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon taken daily as a supplement helps to reduce total cholesterol and is comparable to taking statin drugs. Another great thing about cinnamon is that it helps the body use insulin efficiently and cuts blood sugar levels up to 30 percent.

9. Tomatoes

Lycopene found in tomatoes is a highly powerful antioxidant. Studies reveal that tomatoes, cooked or otherwise, reduce the risk of cancer in the gut as well as the prostate.

10. Pomegranate

High antioxidant with a power punch. It decreases bad cholesterol and cholesterol plaque build-up. It plays a huge role in combating heart disease. Drinking juice pomegranate is the best way to achieve the benefits of this powerful fruit.

11. Sweet Potatoes

Loaded with antioxidants, and generally easy to digest, sweet potatoes are a super adaptable food you can eat as an appetizer, side dish, or even dessert! Try adding hot, baked pieces of sweet potato to a salad - you won't be disappointed!

12. Apples

Apples are high in antioxidants (especially the skin) but have many other benefits as well. Since they are high in soluble fiber, apples are great for digestion and can help lower cholesterol. Apples also contain vitamin C to further support the immune system.

13. Asparagus

Like its friend, the tomato, asparagus is also high in the antioxidant Lycopene. Additionally, Asparagus contains high levels of vitamin A, which is important for the immune system as well as eye health. The soluble fiber in asparagus can also help lower cholesterol. This food does it all!

14. Broccoli

Not only is broccoli high in fiber and antioxidants, but it also packs a punch with its combination of vitamins A, C, B9, and K. This veggie benefits all aspects of the body from the immune system to your bones and tissues.

15. Dark Chocolate

Last but not least, this sweet treat is actually amazing for your heart and immune system. It can even lower your blood pressure, decreasing the chances of stroke and heart attacks. Just a small bit in the afternoon or evening has also been linked to positive effects on sleep!

Tags: Senior Health