While high-fat foods usually raise a red flag when planning a nutritious diet for your senior loved one, some foods that are high in fat are actually healthy. Here are four fatty foods with key benefits for seniors that outweigh the fat percentage and calorie count.
1. Almonds
Like most nuts, almonds are relatively high in fat and calories. One ounce of almonds contains 160 calories, 14 grams of unsaturated fat, and 6 grams of protein. But in addition to the fat, that ounce also contains 40 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, which protects the body from damage caused by free radicals and supports healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. Almonds are also rich in phytochemicals, compounds that lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional Home Care Services. Assisting Hands Home Care Milwaukee is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Avocados
You’ve probably heard avocados called a superfood because of their many nutritional benefits. One serving provides 40 percent of the daily recommended intake of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion and lowering cholesterol. Avocados are also rich in lutein, an antioxidant that supports healthy vision. And although one avocado contains up to 23 grams of fat, it’s primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
3. Fatty Fish
The American Heart Association recommends seniors eat two servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel, each week. These species are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support both brain and cardiac health in aging adults.
If your loved one needs help shopping for groceries and preparing healthy meals, a home caregiver can be a fantastic resource. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Milwaukee Respite Care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home 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. Olive Oil
Using olive oil in cooking, making salad dressing, and other applications has been proven in numerous studies to prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. In addition, a new Spanish study suggests consuming olive oil may actually slow the aging process at a molecular level. However, since one tablespoon of this oil contains 120 calories, make sure your loved one doesn’t overdo it.
It can be challenging to prepare healthy meals for seniors, but a professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet. In Milwaukee, Home Care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call today.
