Superfoods for seniors are longevity enhancers that work to bring balance and overall harmony to the body. A superfood is exactly what it sounds like: a food packed with many incredible nutrients. While very diverse, superfoods are all characterized by being nutrient-dense whole foods. Each contains varying mixes of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other compounds found to prevent illness and disease and promote great health.
Despite contrary opinions, no single superfood contains all the nutrition seniors need. However, incorporating a variety of superfoods into your diet will increase healthy cognitive functioning. And simultaneously strengthen bones and lowering the effects of chronic disease—or even preventing them altogether.
What Superfoods are Great For Seniors?
While the list of superfoods may be long and extensive, here are the top players known for supporting seniors’ nutritional needs.
1. Blueberries
These blue, small, tasty fruits are at the top of our list because they’re packed with antioxidants, making them an effective anti-inflammatory food. Blueberries are also jam-packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. When incorporated regularly into the diet, they are also known to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
When selecting berries, note their color. The darker they are, the more antioxidants they have. It’s recommended to have a serving (about 1/2 cup) daily. Plus, frozen blueberries are just as good!
2. Omega 3-Rich Fish
Fish like wild salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel are considered superfoods because of their rich quality of omega-3s. Omega-3s are one of the most important fatty acids responsible for supporting heart health. They also help with arthritis while lowering memory loss and the risk of Alzheimer’s. As an excellent source of protein, eating two to three servings per week will play a vital role in helping maintain muscle mass in older adults.
3. Dark Leafy Greens & Cruciferous Vegetables
Some superfoods for seniors may not have the taste you like, at least not initially like vegetables. But once prepared you can add various types of spices to suit your taste.
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous veggies are generally categorized into their own separate groups. However, we’re including them together to highlight the importance of both. Plus, there are some cruciferous veggies that are also on the superfood list of dark leafy greens list.
If you aren’t already, start incorporating dark-colored leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens into your diet. They contain high amounts of carotenoids and are rich in vitamin K. Carotenoids promote eye health, and vitamin K has been found to combat osteoporosis.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, and bok choy are rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals. We recommend stir-frying them with high quality olive oil and adding spices to taste. Once cooked to taste, these vegetables will become your best friend since your body will indeed thrive off them.
Superfoods For Seniors Can Radically Improve Health
The top ones we mentioned are just some of the superfoods seniors can start incorporating into their diet to begin taking better care of their health. The truth is, the list is a lot longer. There are many more foods like eggs, nuts and seeds, greek yogurt, and green tea worth learning about and adding to your diet.
Choose Jane’s Cafe to Boost Your Health
Our mission is to spread awareness that “food is medicine” through quality ingredients and fresh food. We know how intimidating starting your food health journey can be, we’re here to help!
Check out our sample menu and visit our cafe. We can’t wait to see you!
You may also enjoy reading: Healthy Eating Beyond Age 60
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