Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in seniors. There have been many connections between diet and contracting heart. This could be due to foods that are high in cholesterol, have different types of fats, and have specific vitamins and minerals in them. Having fewer of these kinds of foods can prevent heart diseases. Once in a while, we may love to snack on some sweets but it is important to do so in moderation. Having healthy foods daily can keep your circulatory system in great condition and prevent heart disease.
It is especially important to have a well-balanced well that is full of healthy foods. It is not just about the kind of foods you take in but also the portion in which you consume. Sticking to appropriate amounts of protein and carbohydrates is essential as excessive eating will lead to obesity and heart diseases.
If your loved ones are living in a senior living community, they can opt for a dining experience where the chefs accommodate the tastes and preferences of the client as well as ensure that it is a healthy and well-balanced meal. Here are some foods that can potentially prevent heart diseases.
Whole Grains
Having whole grains daily can reduce the risks of contracting heart diseases. Whole grains are packed with fiber and other key nutrients that keep blood pressure in a healthy range. If your loved ones have not tried eating whole grains, you can slowly introduce them into their meals by swapping their white bread with whole-grain bread. Instead of having rice, they can try different kinds of grains like quinoa and whole-grain pasta. There are many delicious recipes that will make whole-grain foods taste phenomenal!
Healthier Fats
One common misconception that people have is that we should totally avoid having fatty food in our diets. However, there are healthy fats that we should take in. Saturated and trans fats are the reasons for high cholesterol and heart diseases. Cholesterol is made and broken down in the liver and it can change the way the liver handles cholesterol and can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries which can increase the risk of heart attacks and even stroke. That is also why people with high cholesterol often have high blood pressure. If your loved ones are used to eating processed meat, pastries, and full-fat dairy foods, you can try to swap them out with foods filled with natural fats like avocados and nuts. They have good fats and they make a great snack to have in moderation!
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories and high in fiber concentration! These vitamins found in fruits and vegetables help to lower your risk of heart diseases. If your loved ones are not keen on trying fruits or vegetables, try to incorporate them slowly and in smaller portions in meals. You can get a greater variety of fruits and vegetables to make the meals more palatable for your loved ones. It also gives them different options to try! These fruits and vegetables can become great snack alternatives to replace chocolate and chips. There are many preserved salads and canned fruits that have added sugar and preservatives which are not as healthy as having fresh fruits and vegetables. These canned fruits and vegetables often contain lots of sugar or salt!
