6 Reasons to Follow the Mediterranean Diet

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Fresh salads, delicious soups, tasty vegetables, mouthwatering seafood, and flavorful fruits are all part of the Mediterranean diet. There are many health benefits associated with following this diet, as it includes mostly whole foods while eliminating processed foods. It’s a great diet for seniors for the following reasons. 

1. Boost Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension. It’s full of fish, fruits, and vegetables that contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation that can develop inside coronary arteries. This is essential for seniors who have had strokes because these fatty acids keep blood pressure in check. Eating foods included in the Mediterranean diet, such as chicken and vegetables, may also lower cholesterol. 

This diet can also prevent cardiac arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. Fresh fish can play an essential role in keeping the heart’s contractions strong and steady, which enables blood to flow more easily through the coronary arteries, reducing the risk of blood clots.

Professional caregivers with expertise in nutrition can be a wonderful asset for seniors. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. 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.

2. Prevent Cancer

Getting older is one of the major risk factors associated with cancer. Eating more vegetables on a regular basis may lower the risk of developing breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, as veggies are full of healthy antioxidants. Since this diet relies on many raw foods, seniors get the most nutrients possible because they consume these vegetables when they’re fresh and crispy. 

3. Reduce Dementia Risk

Fruits are emphasized in the Mediterranean diet. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and blackberries contain anthocyanin, which protects the brain from free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals prevents the brain from functioning normally and can cause cognitive issues such as dementia. The vitamins C and E and antioxidants found in these fruits protect the brain by clearing out the toxins that cause dementia and other cognitive issues.

If your loved one is already living with dementia, following the Mediterranean diet may help him or her slow the progress of the condition. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Huntsville seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.

4. Lose Weight

Seniors often fight to achieve or maintain a healthy weight because of their reduced levels of physical activity. Eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables helps seniors feel sated without consuming a lot of calories. 

Seniors who are at a healthy weight are usually happier. Maintaining a healthy weight also puts less stress on bones and joints, encouraging seniors to move more. 

5. Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Seniors who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of developing chronic illnesses. Blood sugar levels are usually controlled more effectively with this diet. The healthy fats also boost brain health, which may hinder the progress of cognitive decline. The diet also works to control blood pressure by preventing the buildup of plaque in arteries. 

6. Encourage Variety

Since the diet relies on seasonal produce and locally caught fish, it’s always changing. This encourages seniors to look forward to their meals instead of dreading them because they eat the same old things again and again. 

A professional caregiver with training in nutrition can be a wonderful source of information and encouragement as your loved one adopts new healthy habits, including eating more nutritious foods. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Huntsville in-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services. 

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