The MIND diet is full of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and other healthy foods that can enhance a senior’s physical and emotional wellbeing, stave off various age-related diseases, and boost cognitive health. Here are some of the benefits seniors can receive when switching to the MIND diet.
Enhances Heart Health
Aging puts seniors at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but the MIND diet is full of foods that are good for the heart. The diet includes foods that are high in:
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• B vitamins
• Fiber
• Phytoestrogens
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
These nutrients and minerals can keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, high blood sugar, and other health issues. For example, the vitamin K from kale can protect the arteries and promote proper circulation. Another example is whole grains, which reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels and lower the odds of developing heart disease.
Seniors who need help with meal prep should consider professional in-home care. In Rhode Island, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.\
Boosts Brain Health
The MIND diet encourages seniors to eat foods that boost brain health such as berries, broccoli, nuts, and fatty fish. The antioxidants found in these foods fight against toxins that damage the brain, especially areas of the brain responsible for storing and processing information. The brain-healthy foods incorporated in the MIND diet can also help older adults lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Lowers the Risk of Obesity
It’s important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight to boost their bone health, reduce the risk of a stroke, and prevent health conditions like diabetes. Following the MIND diet prevents your loved one from eating empty calories, which are foods that offer no nutritional value. Eating fruits, whole grains, fish, and lean meats helps seniors burn more calories than they consume. As a result, they have more energy to spend exercising and participating in physical activities that can help them lose weight and prevent obesity.
Some seniors need help preparing nutritious foods and making other positive lifestyle choices. 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 elderly care. Rhode Island Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Reduces Stress Levels
Aging may cause your loved one’s stress and anxiety levels to increase. Seeing his or her health decrease on a daily basis could be too much for your loved one to take. The MIND diet includes foods that boost the levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that calms the brain. Fish, nuts, and some vegetables and fruits can cut the levels of adrenaline and cortisol in your loved one’s body, which lowers his or her blood pressure and stress levels.
Preparing nutritious meals for an aging parent can be a difficult task, especially when you have other important duties to tend to. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Rhode Island, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. Call us at (401) 284-0979 today to schedule a free in-home consultation.