Following a healthy diet is a good way for seniors to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and various chronic conditions, and it can also keep the brain healthy during the senior years. Adding more servings of leafy green vegetables to the diet can help seniors boost their brain health and stave off memory loss and other age-related health conditions. Here are some of the ways eating leafy greens can boost cognitive health in older adults.
Increases Energy Levels
The brain uses more energy than any other organ in the body to fuel the electrical impulses neurons use to communicate. However, most adults have less energy in their senior years due to lack of activity, poor eating habits, high blood pressure levels, and mobility issues. When adding leafy greens to the diet, your loved one will receive the fiber and iron necessary to boost metabolism. Eating leafy greens can also keep red blood cells healthy, leading to more energy and better communication. Eating leafy greens is just one of the many ways older adults can enjoy a high quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Provides Antioxidants
Leafy greens are considered power foods that boost cognitive function, which includes memory, decision-making abilities, mental response time, and mood. This is due to the antioxidants as well as other minerals and vitaminsfound in leafy greens. Antioxidants provide the body with fatty acids that can strengthen and stimulate the brain. Kale, spinach, broccoli, and collards are leafy greens that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that protect the brain. Some seniors need assistance with meal preparation.Des Moines home careexperts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Keeps the Body Hydrated
Staying hydrated allows the systems in the body to work with each other to help it remain healthy. As a result, the brain can function at normal levels. When your loved one is hydrated, his or her nervous system can communicate with the body more efficiently. When seniors aren’t hydrated, they may experience confusion, memory issues, difficulty focusing, and a decrease in alertness. Most people only think of drinking water when it comes to staying hydrated, but leafy greens contain a lot of water as well. Adding leafy greens to the diet can keep the body hydrated, leading to better cognitive health as well as healthier skin.
Fights Off Depression
It’s important for aging adults to consume high levels of folate to fight against the stress hormone known as cortisol. Folate contributes to serotonin levels, which can lift mood and reduce the risk of depression. Serotonin is an important chemical in the body that can regulate mood, memory, social behavior, digestion, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin can increase the odds of becoming depressed. However, eating leafy greens can provide a good source of folate, leading to more serotonin production, which may lift your loved one’s mood and stave off other health issues linked to depression, such as diabetes, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. From preparing nutritious meals to assisting seniors with daily tasks, professional caregivers can help aging adults enjoy a higher quality of life. There are a variety of reasons family caregivers should consider respite care. Des Moines, IA, families often have additional responsibilities that make it more challenging to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. A professional respite caregiver can take over your important caregiving duties, allowing you more time to focus on yourself. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our customized care plans.
