by GC-admin
Share
by GC-admin
Share
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and the efforts we can all be making to improve it. For any seniors who deal with heart health risks or known issues, there are several areas that are typically considered in terms of care and treatment – and one of the single most notable is your diet.
At Cozy Retire, we’re here to assist with any medical conditions or risks that our guests may have within our Ogden assisted living communities, including heart health concerns of any kind. Why is diet so important for seniors and many other people who have heart-related conditions or risk factors, and what are some simple ways to maintain a heart-healthy diet? Here are some basics.
Why Diet is So Important for Senior Heart Health
Firstly, nutrition can play a crucial role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Different nutrients may have different effects on heart health, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, monounsaturated fatty acids (found in olive oil and avocados), omega-3 fatty acids (found in some fish) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in nuts and seeds).
Secondly, nutrition is also important for controlling cholesterol levels. Poor dietary choices can increase cholesterol levels, while a healthy diet can help lower them. This includes reducing saturated fat intake, limiting trans fats and avoiding processed foods that are high in sodium.
Finally, heart-healthy eating can also help manage blood pressure levels and maintain a healthy weight. Eating the right foods with balanced nutrients will ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals needed to support your cardiovascular system.
Lots of Fruits and Veggies
As we touched on above, fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help support your heart. Make sure to get plenty of colorful produce in your diet such as apples, oranges, berries, spinach, kale, carrots and squash.
Avoid Processed Foods
On the flip side, try to limit or avoid processed foods, which are often high in sodium and low in nutrients. This includes packaged snacks like chips, instant meals and pre-made frozen dinners.
Whole Grains
Choose whole grain sources of carbohydrates instead of refined grains. Whole grains may help reduce cholesterol levels and provide more fiber for your diet.
Lean Protein
For protein intake, which is very important for seniors, choose lean sources such as fish, poultry and beans. Also consider adding in some healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocados.
Drinking Lots of Water
Finally, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps to keep your body hydrated and can even help you feel fuller after meals.
By following these simple tips, seniors can make sure that they are getting all of the nutrients their bodies need to support their overall heart health. If you have any questions about heart-healthy diets for seniors or about any of our senior living community services in Ogden, speak to our caring staff at Cozy Retire today.
The post 5 Diet Strategies for Ogden Senior Heart Health appeared first on Cozy Retire.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Subscribe to our free newsletter.
Leave A Comment
There are many questions that people tend to have when it comes to a potential move of a senior into an assisted living community, and some of these naturally tend to revolve around costs and how they will be covered. One particularly common such question: Will Medicare pay for assisted living? At Cozy Retire, we’re
There are several common questions that often arise regarding financial areas when you or someone in your family is considering a move to an assisted living facility, and one of the most frequent is this: Is assisted living tax deductible? The answer is often yes, though there are some important nuances to be aware of.
There are a few decisions that can be naturally difficult to make in our lives as we age, and one of these for those who are approaching or have already entered senior age range is a potential move to a retirement community. While this is a step that some people resist for understandable reasons, there
While there’s often a natural and understandable focus on many areas of physical health among seniors and older adults, the realm of mental health is also one that should never be forgotten about in these age ranges. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the two often go together – and there
