The Mediterranean diet can potentially be healthy for all adults, but it offers some particular health benefits seniors can take advantage of. Oakville at-home care experts want to share a few advantages that may make your elderly loved one want to give this diet a try.
Prevents Various Illnesses
The Mediterranean diet includes relatively small amounts of red wine. Unlike beer and liquor, red wine is healthy for your loved one’s immune and digestive systems. The antioxidants in red wine slow the signs of aging and prevent many illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Quercetin, one of the antioxidants found in red wine, can kill cancerous cells, preventing various types of cancer like lung cancer. Drinking red wine can also provide your loved one with other benefits, such as hardening enamel to prevent tooth decay.
Strengthens Bones
The foods in this diet are loaded with calcium and other nutrients that are good for your loved one’s bones. Bones become more fragile with age, and your loved one needs to prevent his or her bones from becoming too weak and leading to falls, broken bones, and other serious injuries. The calcium and nutrients consumed in the Mediterranean diet can help keep your loved one’s joints supple and his or her bones strong.
Keeps Brain Active
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for a senior’s brain health, and the Mediterranean diet is full of these oils. Fish, chicken, and olive oil contain large amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help your loved one’s brain function better, prevent cognitive decline, and reduce his or her risk of dementia.
Helps the Heart Stay Healthy
If your loved one is looking for a way to keep his or her cholesterol and blood pressure levels down, the Mediterranean diet may be the perfect choice. This heart-healthy diet consists of monounsaturated fats that can help regulate your loved one’s blood pressure. This diet also promotes proper functioning blood vessels, which can prevent a heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
At Home Care Assistance, helping seniors maintain healthy diets is one of our top priorities. Our caregivers can assist your loved one with meal prep and grocery shopping to ensure he or she eats well on a regular basis. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s care Oakville seniors and their families can rely on. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our qualified Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 today.