Seniors may follow a vegetarian diet for personal or health reasons. Whether your elderly loved one has a medical condition or not, eating this way can be great for his or her overall health. Even seniors who don’t follow a strict vegetarian diet can still benefit from the balance of vitamins, protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates these foods provide.
Lentils
Lentils provide a great source of protein as well as the fiber your loved one needs. By lowering levels of homocysteine in the blood, lentils can protect against artery disease. Lentils also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can keep blood sugar stable and prevent dry, wrinkled skin and excess body fat.
Some older adults need extra help with simple daily tasks, such as preparing healthy meals. Senior 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.
Beans
Beans are another good source of protein in a vegetarian diet. They can be eaten with rice and topped with salsa for a modified Mexican dish, or they can simply be enjoyed as a side dish. Vegetarian chili is another nutritious option, and you or your loved one can easily prepare it in a slow cooker. Simply combine a can each of kidney and pinto beans, a can of corn, some tomato sauce, and a packet of chili spice in a slow cooker and let the mixture simmer for a few hours. Pair it with cornbread to complete this delicious and healthy vegetarian meal for your loved one.
It may be challenging to monitor your loved one’s diet as closely as you’d like. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Dried Fruits
Eating dried fruits can conveniently provide the iron your loved one needs. Dried fruits are also high in fiber, which can prevent heart disease and some forms of cancer. Various types of dried fruits have been known to fight diabetes and osteoporosis.
The most common types of dried fruits include:
- Apricots
- Dates
- Mangos
- Pineapples
- Cranberries
- Prunes
- Cherries
- Figs
Seaweeds
Seaweeds are good for the overall health of seniors. These foods can provide a great source of iron and phytochemicals. Many types of seaweed, such as kelp, can prevent osteoporosis in addition to lowering cholesterol levels.
The types of seaweeds your loved one should eat to promote his or her health include:
- Agar
- Alaria
- Kelp
- Spirulina
- Nori
- Dulse
Whole Grains
Whole grains can provide the calcium, iron, and other nutrients seniors need. These foods are also high in insoluble fiber and vitamins that can remove cholesterol from your loved one’s system. Whole grains also reduce the risk of digestive orders and colon cancer.
The best types of whole grains for seniors are:
- Whole wheat vegan breads
- Brown rice
- Pastas
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens, such as collard greens, are some of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world. Some of the nutrients found in dark leafy green vegetables have also been associated with lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Making sure your loved one gets proper nutrition is one of the most important ways to help him or her stay healthy, and a plant-based diet is a fantastic choice. Some seniors may need help maintaining a healthy diet. In Montgomery, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Call (334) 593-3988 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.