It is crucial for your loved ones to have a diet of nutrient dense foods as they age gracefully with time. Nutrition promotes both good physical and mental health. Advanced age usually comes with a higher risk of illnesses, such as cancer, heart diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, and so on. Hence, it is important to have a diet of nutrient dense foods to act as a form of prevention to ensure your loved ones can enjoy their golden years in good health. Here are some nutrient dense foods recommendations for your loved ones.
Fish
Proteins in the form of meat can be loaded with saturated fat. This is especially prevalent in red meats like beef and so on. These red meats with high-fat content are usually associated with a higher incidence of illnesses, like heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, and so on. However, there are nutrient dense foods like fish that are low in fat and yet, offer high-quality protein. High-quality protein is essential for your loved ones as it promotes better healing and slows down muscle loss that comes with age. Your loved ones may not have a strong digestive system with age. Hence, fish will be a nutrient dense food that is good for their digestive system as it is highly digestible. Some fish options include tuna, sardines, cod, and so on. Some fishes like sardines and salmons also have edible bones and they offer increased calcium intake.
Dairy Foods High in Calcium
An ideal nutrient dense food is one that is high in calcium and they usually come in the form of dairy foods. However, it is crucial to choose low-fat options among dairy products as some dairy products may be high in fat. Some low-fat dairy options include cheese, yogurt, low-fat milk, and so on. They are nutrient dense foods also because they contain high amounts of vitamin D and calcium. If your loved ones are unable to stomach lactose-related dairy products, soy products will be a good alternative. Some soy products include soybean, tofu and so on which also provide high-quality proteins due to their complete essential amino acids profile.
Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables definitely fall under the nutrient dense food category! Fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense foods due to their high vitamin content. They are also loaded with antioxidants which are helpful to prevent the onset of cancer. The best way is to diversify among different colored fruits and vegetables to ensure you get complementary vitamins and minerals. They also add color to your dishes too! They are also high in fiber, promoting gastrointestinal health and preventing the onset of certain cancers, such as colon cancer.
Wholemeal Carbohydrates
Wholemeal carbohydrates are nutrient dense as they provide energy while being packed with vitamin B and dietary fiber. Dietary fiber includes soluble and non-soluble fiber. The former enhances protection against cardiovascular diseases while the latter promotes bowel movement. Some options include wholemeal noodles, bread, and so on.
At Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, your loved ones can enjoy a diet of nutrient dense foods prepared by our in-house chef. Contact us to find out more!