Diet is a key aspect of improving your health as you age, emphasizing the need for older adults to eat healthily in their golden years. If you’re looking for nutrients that specifically promote healthy aging, these are vitamins for healthy aging you or a loved one should look out for on your next grocery run!
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is easily one of the most fundamental vitamins for healthy aging due to its benefits in promoting the strength and overall health of aging bones. Vitamin A’s importance for older age groups is further highlighted by the heightened risk of osteoporosis among adults 50 years old and above. Sufficient amounts of vitamin A also boast other benefits such as boosting vision, immune system, and cell growth in older adults. With such a well-rounded set of benefits, vitamin A proves itself to be indispensable in improving overall wellness. To ensure you or a loved one consume enough vitamin A, incorporate the following vitamin A-rich foods into your regular meals:
- Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Ricotta cheese
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is another essential vitamin for effective, healthy living in one’s mature years. Vitamin B optimizes various aspects of overall health, such as cognitive function and energy levels. On the other hand, elderly individuals with vitamin B deficiencies may experience health consequences which include weakness or tiredness, inflammation in the oral area, and even putting themselves at risk of a blood disorder known as megaloblastic anemia. Another added benefit of ensuring sufficient vitamin B intake in you and your loved ones is that vitamin B comes in various types, meaning that you can enjoy a diverse range of foods with a vitamin B-rich diet. To fulfill your vitamin B quota, you can enjoy the following foods:
- Yogurt (vitamin B2)
- Chicken breast (B3)
- Chickpeas (B6)
- Clams (B12)
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known remedy for various ailments, making frequent appearances on home remedy lists for practically every health problem under the sun. This is not a mere exaggeration, it’s because vitamin C fosters the production of white blood cells. These are the cells of the immune system that protect our bodies from infection, accelerate the healing of wounds, and help the body to absorb iron. Hence, it’s always a good idea to include a vitamin C source such as the following in your meals:
- Brussel sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Strawberries
Vitamin K
Vitamin K boasts the benefit of controlling blood flow and protecting blood vessels. Vitamin K helps your blood to clot, being known as the “blood coagulation vitamin”. Furthermore, thanks to its properties, it’s associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease, a common heart condition among aging adults. Vitamin K, similarly to vitamin A, also improves bone health and thus, helps to prevent osteoporosis from developing in the elderly. Healthy vitamin K sources include:
- Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli
- Blueberries
- Cheddar cheese
Healthy Eating at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach
Here at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, we offer catered dining programs that’ll keep you or your loved one’s tastebuds satisfied and in good health. To learn more, read about our senior living options.