Dark chocolate may be a luxurious and indulgent treat. However, studies have shown it offers several health benefits for seniors. While many seniors don’t need a reason to eat dark chocolate, here are a few of the health benefits of eating this treat a few times a week.
1. Enhances Brain Function
Research has shown dark chocolate has high levels of flavanols, which can increase blood flow to the brain and preserve cognitive ability. It can also benefit seniors who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The theobromine and caffeine in dark chocolate can aid in enhancing brain function for a limited time.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Oakville Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
2. Lowers Heart Disease Risk
Dark chocolate contains specific compounds that can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in a person’s blood, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating some dark chocolate a few times a week aids in lowering blood pressure, which can decrease the risk of heart disease.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to helping your loved one get proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
3. Raises HDL Levels
Dark chocolate can also raise HDL levels in a person’s blood. HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol, and it can aid in keeping a senior’s heart and arteries healthy as well.
4. Protects Skin
Dark chocolate protects the skin because it contains flavanols, which protect the epithelial cells. Additionally, flavanols can increase blood flow to a senior’s skin and enhance skin hydration. Eating dark chocolate can also heal past UV damage. The antioxidants found in dark chocolate are also reputed to increase the body’s natural ability to protect the skin.
5. Boosts Mood
Dark chocolate contains the chemical phenylethylamine, which can have positive effects on mood. The brain produces phenylethylamine when a person falls in love, and it releases endorphins that can enhance your loved one’s mood.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your parent lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. Oakville families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.