The Mediterranean diet has a wealth of healthy benefits that fall in line with those found in Canada’s Food Guide, and many of these are especially helpful for aging adults. Here are five reasons your elderly loved one might want to give the Mediterranean diet a try.
1. Healthy Carbs
One of the reasons many people love the Mediterranean diet is because it doesn’t cut out carbohydrates. However, unlike low-quality carbs from baked sweets and processed breads, these carbs come in the form of whole grains, oats, and couscous. In addition to stabilizing blood sugar levels, whole grains are also packed with fiber and protein.
Switching to the Mediterranean diet is just one of the many ways to lower the risk of developing serious health issues. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The average person only has one serving of fish per week, which rarely provides an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids. This particular substance has been the subject of countless studies and can reduce the risk of high cholesterol, cancer, and even ADHD. The Mediterranean diet typically calls for around 3 to 4 servings of fish per week.
3. Monounsaturated Fat
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men over 65. This particular disease is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, including a diet full of saturated fat. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is excellent for the heart.
Older adults who need help preparing nutrient-dense, low-fat meals should consider professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Barrie seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Many Paths to Better Brain Health
A team of researchers at Rush University in Chicago recently set out to create a diet that could boost cognitive abilities. The diet they came up with closely resembles the Mediterranean diet, including large amounts of fresh produce, fish, and nuts. Even people who only followed the diet part of the time saw a 35 percent reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
5. Weight Loss without Going Hungry
Repeatedly gaining and losing a large amount of weight can increase the risk of diabetes, certain forms of cancer, muscle atrophy, and heart disease. This is why it’s so important for your loved one to find a diet he or she can stick to for a long time. The Mediterranean diet is often seen as one of the most sustainable diets for seniors because they can eat many of their favourite foods and never feel as if they must starve themselves.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare services. Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at 647-970-3803 to schedule a free consultation.