8 Nutritious Foods that Fight Aging

It’s great if your senior loved one fully embraces the good things about being older and wiser. Still, he or she probably isn’t as thrilled about the potential health risks associated with aging. While there’s nothing anyone can do to stop the aging process, there are some foods you can encourage your loved one to include in his or her diet that have anti-aging benefits. Below, you’ll find eight of them.

1. Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers are flavorful and loaded with cell-protecting antioxidants. When cells are protected, they’re less susceptible to age-related changes and damage. Red peppers are also rich in vitamin C, which contributes to more youthful skin because of increased collagen production. Some aging adults need assistance preparing nutritious meals at home. The type of home care Waterloo, IA, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

2. Blueberries

Because of high amounts of vitamins A and C and a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin, blueberries can protect older skin from damage related to sun exposure and stress. These richly-hued berries also reduce DNA damage and protect healthy forms of cholesterol the body needs to function well.

3. Broccoli

This green, leafy veggie is loaded with a bunch of anti-aging nutrients that can be beneficial for seniors. Along with an abundance of antioxidants, broccoli is rich in:

• A type of vitamin B called folate that helps with cell growth
• Vitamins C and K
• Lutein, a type of vitamin with vision benefits
• Calcium and fiber

4. Nuts

Salty, processed nuts aren’t too healthy, but there are plenty of other nuts that can be good for seniors looking to minimize age-related health issues. Walnuts and almonds, in particular, are loaded with vitamin E, which helps with skin and tissue repair. Walnuts are also a reliable source of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fatty acids may help with the anti-aging process by:

• Providing protection against sun damage
• Strengthening cell membranes
• Contributing to healthier, smoother skin

A professional caregiver can help your loved one with grocery shopping and other tasks related to following a healthy diet. Senior 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.

5. Sweet Potatoes

A powerful antioxidant called beta-carotene gives sweet potatoes their color, and it’s beneficial because it protects cells and is converted to vitamin A. This vitamin is associated with restoring skin’s natural elasticity and increasing cell turnover. WebMD reports that nutrients in sweet potatoes may also contribute to a more efficient immune system and better heart and kidney functioning.

6. Avocados

Avocados are an anti-aging treat for seniors because of high amounts of fiber and healthy fats. A single 3.5-ounce serving of avocados also provides an assortment of nutrients that include vitamins B, C, E, and K, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Additionally, powerful antioxidants in avocados may keep aging eyes healthier. There’s even evidence suggesting avocado extract may alleviate arthritis-related symptoms.

7. Dark Chocolate

There’s research suggesting moderate amounts of dark chocolate can keep the heart healthy. Antioxidants in dark chocolate may also provide added protection against heart-related aging, age-related changes in the brain, and age-related skin damage.

8. Beans

Beans are considered one of the best anti-aging foods because they’re a reliable source of the protein that’s necessary to maintain muscle strength. Antioxidants in beans also protect cells from unstable atoms called free radicals.  Even if you help your loved one focus on healthy eating during the times you’re providing care, you can’t do it all alone. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Waterloo, IA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To find out how our dedicated caregivers can best assist your loved one, give us a call at 319-260-2222 today.