Seniors are often told to follow a healthy eating plan, yet some lack the information regarding which type of diet works best for them. If your senior loved one is looking to enhance his or her health, here are seven benefits of following a plant-based diet in the golden years.
1. Simplify Meal Prep
A plant-based diet is exactly what it sounds like. People who live on this kind of eating plan restrict meat and strive to reduce their intake of processed foods. Since many fruits and vegetables require very little preparation, seniors can save time on cooking.
Cooking and other daily tasks can be difficult to manage for people in their golden years. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Des Moines seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
2. Prevent or Manage Diabetes
The sugars in fruits and vegetables are natural and better handled by the body. Seniors can also choose to eat vegetables that are low in sugar if they are having difficulty keeping their glucose levels under control. Over time, seniors with prediabetes may find their risk for developing diabetes goes down, as a plant-based diet helps them regulate their blood sugar.
3. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Meats are known to be sources of large amounts of fat and cholesterol that are bad for a senior’s health. Choosing to eliminate meat from the diet helps seniors lower their blood pressure and increase their overall cardiovascular fitness. Since some fat in the diet is important for the body, seniors can easily replace unhealthy meat fats with healthier omega-3 fatty acids from sources such as avocados.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Des Moines, IA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Enjoy Better Digestion
When a senior eats a diet full of fatty meats and processed food, it’s common for digestive conditions to arise. Constipation, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome are just a few issues caused by an unhealthy diet. Plants are loaded with fiber that helps a senior’s body digest food properly. Although seniors may need to slowly increase their fiber intake to avoid negative side effects, the body eventually adjusts and should do better on a plant-based diet.
5. Strengthen the Immune System
Seniors who eat different types of produce introduce more vitamins and minerals into the body. Plants such as bell peppers and apples are loaded with antioxidants that help seniors fight off germs and heal from their injuries. Seniors can also add herbs to flavor their dishes and benefit their immune systems.
6. Lose Weight
Many seniors have tried to lose weight for years without success. Now they can finally slim down since plant-based diets are naturally low in fat and calories. Since seniors can snack on fruits and vegetables as much as they want, they never have to feel deprived.
7. Look and Feel Younger
The fat in animal products sometimes causes seniors to have greasy skin. Alternatively, sugary processed food introduces chemicals into the body that increase the free radicals responsible for skin breaking down. Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that tame free radicals and protect the skin from sun damage. Fewer wrinkles and more energy often cause seniors to feel like a plant-based diet is the new fountain of youth.
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 senior care Des Moines 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. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, call (515) 264-2438 today.