What you would consider vital for the health of your beloved seniors at home? Obviously, good food and nutrition, isn’t it? However, more often than not we relate that only to the physical well-being and fitness of elders. But a nutritious diet is equally crucial for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline due to aging. And one cannot certainly overlook the relationship between diet and dementia or the impact of healthy foods on brain-related ailments like dementia and memory care.
Sadly, nearly ten percent of the global aged population from serious health problems due to malnutrition. That’s alarming, right? However, there are simple yet promising solutions that can overcome this. Interestingly, plant-based diets are one of them as they offer innumerable benefits. Simple vegetarian food contains magical ingredients that foster better mental health for aged people. Usually, these foods are available in plenty, easy to cook and affordable too. Therefore, senior care facilities like Athulya Assisted Living, the unanimous choice for assisted living in Chennai, encourage elders to include such foods in the daily diet.
The residents of Athulya Assisted Living can enjoy a wide variety of tasty foods every day freshly prepared from safe ingredients according to their personal preferences and prevailing health conditions. Low sodium diets coupled with healthy herbs and spices and anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, nuts and honey served here boost senior health without making any compromise on the taste buds. Professional geriatric caregivers on the premises assist elders in various activities including fitness programs and art and craft therapy. This unique facility therefore holistically addresses the needs of aged persons like diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle comprehensively to facilitate a dignified and joyful retired life.
Role of Food and Nutrition in Brain Health of Seniors
- Various types of vitamin and nutrient-rich foods play a critical part in the cognitive functioning of the mind and safeguard the brain parts from the aging progression. Surprisingly, these foods can simultaneously prove to be extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Research reveals that omega-3 fatty acids are significantly essential for building and repairing body cells, especially, in the brain much like the protein-rich diets like pulses, cheese, broccoli and chicken. These acids also slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by lowering down the levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that deters brain functioning.
- To improve memory and concentration capabilities, seniors must consume foods rich in Vitamins B, D and E like poultry, legumes, leafy greens, nuts, whole-grain foods and eggs. Besides that, a combination of Vitamins C, E and carotene can remarkably prevent delays in cognition. Citrus fruits, Brussels, carrots and apricots are examples of such foods.
- Many vegetables like parsley act as excellent brain-boosters as they are enriched with flavonoids. Green vegetables like spinach and kale are also recommended for enhancing memory power and attention span.
- Fruits like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and cherries are filled with flavonoids. These protect the memory function and slow down cognitive deterioration. Other potential sources of flavonoids are tea, red wine and cocoa.
- Certain minerals also play a substantial role in brain functioning. For example,
- Zinc is responsible for neuron signalling.
- Magnesium is needed for learning and memory retention.
- Copper controls the transmission of nerve signals.
- Iron prevents brain fog and impaired functioning.
- Anti-oxidant-rich nutrients in items like prunes, apples, turmeric, onions, beans and raisins nourish the brain and protect it from oxidative stress. This, in turn, decreases the production of free radicals when the body utilizes oxygen thereby avoiding cell damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Enunciate the role of healthy eating on mental health.
The consumption of quality foods that contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants provides nourishment to the brain. Doing this lessens mood fluctuations and acts as a mood elevator. It also enhances the ability to focus and thwarts symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Why are the so-called ‘fast foods’ harmful to seniors?
Fast foods and junk foods hamper the ability to think, recollect and learn in seniors. They also provoke impulsive behaviours which may become extremely hard to control. These foods even increase the probability of getting anxious and stressed.
- What is the consequence of malnutrition on the brain?
Poor or insufficient nutrition can degrade the production of neurotransmitters leading to mental and neurological disorders.
- Name some foods that expedite recovery from brain injury.
Fatty fish, flaxseed oil, leafy greens, dark chocolate, berries, meat, eggs and walnuts help in quick recovery after brain injury.
Certainly, nutritious foods boost brain health in seniors. Kindly contact Athulya Assisted Living for further information in this context.
