Even though cardiovascular disease is common among the elderly, older adults can take a few steps to protect their heart health. In addition to quitting smoking and exercising a few times a week, seniors should also stick to a healthy and nutrient-dense diet Edmonton home care .Here is a look at five amazing diets that can reduce LDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, enhance insulin regulation, and reduce the risk of a cardiac event.
1. Mediterranean Diet
Many nutritionists believe the Mediterranean diet is one of the best dietary options to boost heart health as well as cognitive function. The diet focuses on whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean meats, flavorful spices, bright herbs, and other dishes and ingredients that are popular in the Mediterranean region. It also includes healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocados.
Heart disease is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. 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 elderly care. Edmonton families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
2. TLC Diet
The primary goal of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet is to lower the risk of heart disease by cutting out saturated fat. The TLC diet is fully endorsed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as well as the American Heart Association. Seniors who want to try the TLC diet should focus on how they cook their meats and vegetables. Instead of frying, seniors should poach, grill, or steam their favorite dishes.
3. DASH Diet
The DASH diet emphasizes eating leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy, and whole grains that include heart-healthy vitamins and minerals like fiber, potassium, calcium, and protein. The diet also limits the intake of saturated fat, white sugar, and foods that contain an excessive amount of salt. Even though seniors need to consume at least a little bit of salt every day, processed foods often contain huge amounts of sodium.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Edmonton respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
4. Ornish Diet
Seniors who don’t mind following strict dietary rules might want to consider the Ornish diet, which was created by a clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. The Ornish diet bans refined carbohydrates, oils, caffeine, and cholesterol, limits the consumption of animal products, and focuses on consuming egg whites and nonfat milk.
5. Flexitarian Diet
Many diets have strict and complex rules, which is one of the reasons so many people have a difficult time sticking with them for more than a few weeks. The primary goal of the flexitarian diet is to boost cardiovascular health without severely restricting eating options. Many people classify the flexitarian diet as “semi-vegetarian” because it cuts out most animal products, including fatty red meats and whole dairy, and focuses on eating cruciferous vegetables, eggs, tofu, legumes, and nuts.
Some seniors need help switching to nutrient-dense meals and making other healthy lifestyle choices. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Edmonton families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your senior loved one, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.