At just 100 calories, a heaping spoonful of peanut butter is a tasty treat seniors can enjoy every day as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Whether it’s spread on toast, apple slices, or a stalk of celery, peanut butter is an affordable food packed with flavor, and it offers a broad array of health benefits as well.
Brain-Boosting Nutrients
Peanut butter is rich in vitamin E and niacin, two nutrients that have been shown to boost cognitive health in seniors. A 2002 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that seniors who consume foods rich in vitamin E lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 70 percent.
If your loved one needs help shopping for groceries and preparing healthy meals, a home caregiver can be a fantastic resource. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Milwaukee, WI, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Better Balance & Mobility
Like grapes and red wine, peanut butter contains an antioxidant known as resveratrol, a natural compound proven to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Recent studies have linked foods rich in resveratrol with enhanced balance and motor coordination as well.
Stronger Muscles
A single tablespoon of peanut butter offers the same protein benefits as an ounce of lean meat, poultry, or fish. The protein in peanut butter not only restores the muscle mass lost during the aging process, but it also gives muscle-building testosterone levels a boost.
Increasing their protein intake is just one of the many ways aging adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare 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.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almost all of the fat in peanut butter is monounsaturated, which puts the food on par with olive oil when it comes to heart-healthy fats. Multiple studies have shown that eating monounsaturated fats decreases the risk of developing both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A Longer Life
A recent study conducted by the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine examined the diets of 200,000 people and discovered those who ate the most nuts had the lowest death rates. Enjoying a spoonful or two of peanut butter can help seniors live longer and healthier lives.
It can be challenging for seniors to prepare healthy meals, but a professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet. In Milwaukee, elder 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. Assisting Hands Home Care 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 (262) 510-0905 to learn more about our customized care plans.
