Focusing on a nutritious diet is crucial in the senior years because it can prevent certain health conditions. Though most foods have at least something healthy to offer the elderly, beans have proven to be especially beneficial. Here are a few of the benefits of including beans in your elderly loved one’s diet.
Fiber
Because elderly people generally have slower digestive systems, having a regular dose of fiber in their diets can keep them regular and prevent constipation. Fiber also keeps seniors fuller for longer than processed foods do, which is especially important because metabolism also slows down as a person ages.
A trained professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support when it comes to helping seniors plan and prepare healthy meals. Homecare providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at InCasa Home Care Services are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Protein
Beans have a surprisingly substantial amount of protein in them (15 grams per cup), offering your loved one the benefits of meat without having to worry about the added heart-damaging cholesterol. One serving of beans has almost as much protein as a 3-ounce serving of meat (20 grams), and beans also have about twice as much protein as the meat substitute tofu (7.5 grams).
Iron
Beans are a good source of iron, which is especially important to the elderly. Without this nutrient, your loved one can develop anemia, which could make him or her feel weak and lethargic. Because vegetable sources of iron aren’t as readily absorbable as meat sources, many nutritionists recommend serving beans with foods high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, because they aid in iron absorption. However, these foods shouldn’t be overcooked because too much heat destroys the important nutrients.
Some seniors have health conditions that limit their ability to shop for healthy foods or cook nutritious meals without assistance. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional around-the-clock senior care. Edmonton seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Variety
There are many different types of beans you can serve your loved one, which means he or she won’t have to worry about eating the same thing on a regular basis. Beans taste good when served hot or cold, and they can work well as a main or side dish. If your loved one cannot chew well, add some chicken or vegetable stock to the beans and mash them up.
Providing nutritional expertise and preparing healthy meals are just two of the many ways a professional caregiver can support your loved one. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of elder care. InCasa Home Care Edmonton Services provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us today.
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