6 “Bad” Foods that Are Actually Good for Seniors

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Healthy Foods that Have a Bad Reputation in Addison, TX

The news is filled with reports about which foods seniors should and shouldn’t eat. Yet sometimes research reveals they were wrong all along. These foods were once considered bad, but it’s now understood they actually hold some significant benefits for senior health.

1. Fats

It was once thought anything with fat was automatically bad, which led to the fat-free craze that took over everything from pudding to potato chips. Some fats can actually boost metabolism, help seniors absorb more nutrients, and reduce the risk of heart disease. A low-fat diet is still recommended for heart health, but it’s not necessary to banish all fat. Science has revealed some types of fat are healthier than others. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids found in avocados and nuts are essential for cognitive function and can stave off age-related memory loss.

2. Eggs

One of the best sources of protein, eggs were once banned from senior diets due to concerns about the cholesterol contained in the yolks, and egg whites were thought to be the only “good” part of eggs. However, it’s now understood that bad fats actually have more influence on cholesterol levels. In fact, eggs are rich in many essential nutrients seniors need in greater abundance than their younger counterparts, including vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin, folate, and choline, which is known to reduce belly fat, a key component in lowering the risk of heart disease. 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 Arlington respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite 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. Bacon

The combination of high levels of saturated fats and sodium nitrates found in bacon meant many seniors had to pass up this delicious breakfast staple. However, bacon does get the seal of approval when it’s prepared properly. Today, many companies are cutting out the nitrates, and seniors can enjoy the protein boost that comes from eating a slice or two.

4. Coffee

A cup of coffee used to be a guilty pleasure, since the caffeine was viewed as a risk to senior health. However, coffee contains the phytochemical chlorogenic acid, which prevents diabetes by reducing glucose absorption in the intestine. Multiple studies have also shown caffeine can prevent Parkinson’s disease. 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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

5. Chocolate

This popular treat seems to prove anything good must be bad for seniors. Yet that may not be the case if they eat the right kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate with 74 percent or more cocoa content provides seniors with anti-inflammatory flavonols that can reduce the risk of strokes.

6. Butter

It’s okay to have real butter again. It turns out the fat in butter isn’t linked to heart disease after all. The real stuff is a great source of fatty acids and nutrients, plus it slows the absorption of sugars and carbs, which can boost energy levels and brain functioning in seniors. Eating a nutritious diet can help aging adults stave off a number of health issues. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Arlington families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (817) 591-1580 to learn more about our high-quality home care services

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