Many seniors view the New Year as the ideal time to adopt healthier eating habits, but finding a diet that can be enjoyed year round can be challenging. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution! When it comes to diets that are as delicious as they are nutritious, it’s hard to beat the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet features foods commonly eaten in European countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. The diet includes generous portions of fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil and whole grains to promote total health. Conversely, foods with animal fats, dairy products and sugar are limited. Do you or an aging loved one need help selecting nutritious foods at the grocery store? Perhaps you’re not sure how to prepare a healthy and well-balanced meal? See how a home caregiver in Albuquerque can help.
The Mediterranean diet first came under the limelight when a seven-country study proved a direct correlation between heart disease and regional diets. Populations in the study with a high intake of saturated fat had a significantly higher instance of deaths caused by heart disease when compared to those that consumed healthier fats like olive oil. The diet has also been linked to a lower instance of type 2 diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, making it a great diet choice for seniors.
Many of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet are linked to foods rich in antioxidants, which are nutrients that help prevent and repair damage in cells that occurs when our bodies metabolize oxygen. During the oxidization process, a cell’s molecular bonds can weaken and generate byproducts called free radicals. These substances can then attach themselves to other molecules and increase the likelihood of developing serious diseases. That being said, it makes perfect sense that a diet focused around antioxidant rich vegetables and fruits is ideal for older adults!
So whether it’s a breakfast of whole-grain waffles topped with fresh berries, a pita bread stuffed with grilled vegetables for lunch or a fish dinner finished with a tasty tomato sauce, following the Mediterranean diet can be an easy and delicious way to ensure that you or an aging loved one consume the nutrients that you need to enjoy and long and healthy life.
For other senior health tips or to learn more about home care in Albuquerque, visit www.homecareassistanceofalbuquerque.com or contact a Care Manager directly at 505-798-0800. We look forward to hearing from you!
