Is It Safe for Dementia Patients to Eat Indian Food?
Indian food can be safe for dementia patients, as long you prepare it using ingredients that are safe for their dietary restrictions. I recommend avoiding spicy or overly seasoned food.
You should also avoid dishes that contain raw or undercooked ingredients— this way you can minimize the risk of digestive issues.
A lot of family caregivers worry whether they should take their elderly family member with dementia to an Indian restaurant or not. I have noticed that seniors seem to love spicy Indian food— full of masala. But is it safe? Let’s find out!
Get to know what you are serving them
Indian cuisine consists of a diverse range of dishes. The food is mainly influenced by regional and cultural differences. Some common ingredients and dishes include:
- Rice and bread: Basmati rice, roti, naan, and paratha
- Lentils and legumes: Dal, chana masala, and rajma
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cardamom
- Vegetables: Potatoes, okra, eggplant, and spinach
- Meat dishes: Chicken tikka masala, biryani, and kebabs
- Chutneys and pickles: Thecha, panchamrut, and dry peanut chutney
- Sweets: Gulab jamun, rasgulla, and kulfi
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Chana masala and aloo gobi.
Some folks consider Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan food as Indian. Sure, there are lots of similarities— all the cuisines are spicier than what we eat in America.
What is the best way to cook Indian food for seniors?
When cooking Indian food for seniors, it’s best to consider their dietary needs and make adjustments as necessary.
Here are some of my personal cooking tips:
You should always use mild spices. Go for milder seasoning to minimize digestive discomfort. By doing this, you will compromise a bit on the taste, but the overall Indian flavor will still persist.
Don’t add too much salt. Older adults tend to have a reduced tolerance for salt, so reduce the amount of salt used in cooking.
Go for healthier cooking oils, such as olive or coconut oil, instead of processed oils. You can buy cooking oils from a store that sells organic foods. Do not go for cheap vegetable oils, they can be detrimental to the health of your loved one.
Add more fiber-rich ingredients, such as lentils, legumes, and vegetables, to the dishes. Lentils contain loads of protein, and they are generally easy to cook.
Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats and can be hard to digest, so avoid them: no more KFC, or Mcdonald’s. Also, avoid fried food that you get at food carnivals in places like Dallas, Texas.
For seniors with chewing difficulties, soften or puree food to make it easier to eat. I have written an article on this topic. Kindly check it out.
Can a person with dementia eat spicy food?
It’s not recommended for people with dementia to eat overly spicy food, as it can irritate the digestive system and cause discomfort.
Additionally, some individuals with dementia may have a decreased ability to tolerate spicy food, leading to adverse reactions. It’s best to go for milder, well-seasoned dishes that are easy to digest.
Does spicy food have cognitive benefits?
Spicy food does not have direct cognitive benefits, but it may have some indirect benefits for overall health.
Capsaicin in spicy foods has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can contribute to improved cardiovascular and digestive health.
Furthermore, research done by Dr. C J Henry suggests that spicy foods can help improve metabolism and may have potential benefits for weight management.
However, as I previously said, consuming too much spicy food can lead to digestive discomfort and adverse reactions in some individuals.
Is all Indian food spicy?
Not all Indian food is spicy. Indian cuisine is diverse and consists of a range of dishes with varying levels of spiciness.
While some dishes, such as vindaloo or sambar, are known to be spicy, others, such as butter chicken or biryani, are milder and well-seasoned.
It’s possible to adjust the spiciness of a dish to personal preference, so seniors who prefer milder or non-spicy food can still enjoy Indian cuisine.
America’s love for spicy Indian food
Many Americans love Indian food. Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in the United States due to its unique flavors and spices, a diverse range of dishes, and versatility for vegetarian and vegan options.
Indian food offers a taste of a rich cultural heritage and has become a staple in many American cities (especially Greater NYC). With its growing popularity, there are now numerous Indian restaurants and food trucks available in many cities across the country. They offer authentic and fusion Indian dishes.
