With the aging population in America on the rise, it is important to take steps to maintain brain health and cardiovascular health. One of the most common causes of death for seniors are heart diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease. A diet that includes healthy fats, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruit can help reduce these risks.
Here are some tips on how you can create a brain healthy meal plan for your elderly family members today!
Boost Brain Function
To reduce cognitive decline, it’s important to include healthy foods into your diet. A diet that is good for the brain will generally contain lots of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Some protein-based foods for the brain are fatty fish, whole eggs, nuts and seeds as they help to create the important neurotransmitters we need which regulate mood and a healthy overall brain function.
Healthy Diet
Developing a healthy diet, for you and your loved ones, is more imperative than ever. Poor diets have been linked to everything from diabetes to dementia – which means that it’s important not only in the present day but also as we age. A brain healthy diet is important to maintain overall brain health and cognitive function, helps to fight Alzheimer’s disease by keeping blood sugar levels in check and reducing the effects of heart disease.
A brain healthy diet should include the following:
• Fish – a fantastic and brain-healthy food choice for seniors. They contain healthy amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids,
which help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce the effects from heart disease, and provide other long term health
benefits.
• Folic Acid – proven to be beneficial for the elderly’s brain health, and should be a key component in your diet.
• Vitamins – high quantities of B vitamins, C vitamin, E and K vitamins provide a variety of health benefits including
stronger bones and increased tissue regeneration.
A brain healthy diet is important to maintain overall brain health and cognitive function, helps to fight Alzheimer’s disease by keeping blood sugar levels in check and reducing the effects of heart disease.
A brain healthy diet is important to maintain overall brain health and cognitive function, helps to fight Alzheimer’s disease by keeping blood sugar levels in check and reducing the effects of heart disease.• Protein – helps to create the neurotransmitters we need and a protein-based diet provides us with all of the
essential amino acids.
• Carbohydrates – help regulate blood sugar levels, but eating too many can lead to diabetes so be careful not to
overdo them.
• Curcumin – one of the main ingredients in curry powder, may help improve memory for people with Alzheimer’s
disease by decreasing brain-cell inflammation and encouraging new brain cell growth. Studies have also shown
that curcumin increases mood and reduces depression.
Avanti Senior Living’s TASTE Restaurant
One of the greatest amenities at Avanti Senior Living is the TASTE Restaurant. Avanti’s kitchen is filled with fresh and healthy ingredients that maintain a well-balanced diet. We’ve cut out processed foods, deep-fried food and high sodium additives like MSG. Plus, we’re always happy to accommodate special dietary needs or allergies of our residents.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the brain needs a healthy diet to function properly. If your loved one is struggling with memory problems or mood swings, it may be time for them to make some changes in their daily food and drink intake. You also need to know that many seniors are on medications which affect their appetite and stomach acids. Speak with their doctor about any new dietary restrictions they might have before making big changes so as not do more harm than good. But don’t hesitate! A change in what they eat could help improve their quality of life!
