Many previous health fads have had the unfortunate effect of making people think certain food groups ought to be avoided entirely. However, many of these supposedly “bad” foods are actually healthy for seniors. Instead of avoiding these foods, add them to your senior loved one’s diet.
1. Egg Yolks
Many people worry about the cholesterol levels in eggs, but they actually contain a beneficial form of cholesterol that lowers blood cholesterol levels. It also reduces the amount of artery-clogging plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes.
2. Potatoes
Trendy low-carb diets like the Paleo diet have made many people avoid potatoes. However, potatoes are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, a medium-sized potato only contains 163 calories.
If your loved one needs assistance with grocery shopping and meal prep, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the San Diego senior home care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
3. Bananas
These yellow fruits have gotten a bad rap because people think they’re full of sugar. Bananas may have more sugar and carbohydrates than oranges, but they still contain far less sugar and carbs than a granola bar.
4. Red Meat
Red meat has been demonized as fatty and high in cholesterol for decades, but modern grass-fed beef is actually very lean. It’s also a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and several other essential nutrients.
5. White Rice
This essential grain is another victim of the low-carb trend because it has a high glycemic index. Contrary to popular belief, brown rice actually has fewer nutrients than white rice, which is enriched with vitamins and minerals during processing.
Some seniors have a difficult time preparing healthy meals as they get older. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
6. Lettuce
The craze for kale caused many people to dismiss lettuce as a nutritionally void vegetable. However, just one cup of lettuce contains half the daily recommended amount of vitamin A. Lettuce is also great for seniors watching their weight because it’s so low in calories.
7. Coffee
Coffee has a bad reputation because too much of this caffeinated beverage can cause high blood pressure. However, it’s a great source of antioxidants that prevent cells from age-related damage. Drinking three or four cups each day is generally considered safe.
Eating a nutritious diet can help aging adults prevent a number of health issues. The type of home care San Diego seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call today.
