Are Almonds Good for Seniors?
Almonds are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are packed with nutrients essential for the proper functioning of your brain and gut. I know some folks consume almonds occasionally as it is such a convenient snack, but it would help if you learned the complete benefits of this superfood. By the end of the post, you will know whether almonds are good for seniors.
Did you know that Almonds are a natural source of magnesium, potassium, and protein? Seniors who suffer from digestive issues should consider adding Almonds to their diet. The magnesium will help you digest the meals, and prevent issues such as Constipation and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Furthermore, potassium is good for bone health. Regular consumption of Almonds will help prevent bone injuries and fractures in the elderly. This is a must if you are elderly who have suffered falls in the past. It will heal and strengthen your bones and joints. You will feel free to engage in physical activities such as walking and jogging.
Almonds can be added to dinner recipes, soups, baked food, sandwiches, and much more. If you are not a weight-conscious person, you can add this superfood to almost every one of your meals. Almonds are rich in protein and fat, hence weight-conscious or overweight folks should limit their consumption. Otherwise, this superfood has no side effects.
Almond consumption can improve cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults
A Boston-based study concludes that regular consumption of Almonds can improve visuospatial working memory, visual memory, and spatial planning in middle-aged and older adults.
Participants who were middle-aged and older adults were asked to consume Almonds in varying quantities for six straight months. Out of three groups, the one that consumed 3.0 ounces of Almonds per day showed some remarkable effects as far as cognitive function is concerned.
Moreover, there was an increase in serum alpha-tocopherol concentration in blood. Note that this nutrient is essential for the proper functioning of the body and mind.
Seniors need this nutrient in small amounts to stay healthy. In addition to uplifting the immune system, alpha-tocopherol also prevents cancer, says a report by the National Cancer Institute.
As I mentioned earlier, consumption of Almonds also improves visuospatial working memory in the elderly. Why do you need visuospatial working memory? A good VSWM is a must for seniors who work office jobs at an advanced age. It helps them read, write, and do the math. A person with a good VSWM can recall information stored in the brain with ease.
Consumption of Almonds can help prevent age-associated diseases
As you get older, you are at risk of developing certain diseases. Some of the age-associated diseases include high blood pressure, strokes, some forms of cancer, diabetes, and dementia.
Although more research needs to be done on this subject, a Romanian study says that consumption of nuts (such as Almonds) can help reduce the risk of heart disease, metabolic conditions, cognitive disorders, and cancer.
Further, Almonds contain biologically active compounds such as PUFAs, MUFAs, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols needed to fight against age-associated diseases. Nuts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that keep an elderly person healthy and strong.
Furthermore, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is another condition common among older men. Adding a superfood rich in zinc will help senior men prevent this condition. One ounce of Almonds contains 0.9 mg of Zinc. Studies say that Zinc is essential for prostate health.
Almonds are beneficial for seniors with diabetes
Despite the dietary restrictions, older adults with diabetes continue to consume carbohydrate-rich foods. Sometimes a person just craves a pizza or cake, and they have to have it no matter what? If this sounds like you, you must add Almonds to your diet. They are packed with nutrients that help prevent blood sugar levels from spiking up.
Research suggests that Almond-consumption can help control blood glucose levels after eating a carb-rich meal. Needless to say, you must consult a doctor before using Almond-consumption as a treatment method for diabetes. Also, it won’t be a good idea to over consume Almonds, as they contain a low amount of carbohydrates.
Lastly, Almonds contain a phytonutrient known as polyphenol. Several studies have confirmed that the addition of polyphenol-rich food to the diet can help control blood sugar levels. Note that it is the brown skin of Almonds that contain polyphenol. To get full benefits do not discard the skin.
Conclusion
Almonds are a superfood liked by people of all ages. They are crunchy and make a good super snack. But the unique composition of nutrients is what makes almonds good for seniors. Almonds are rich in manganese, zinc, potassium, Vitamin E, and copper. The unique blend of nutrients helps seniors stay fit, healthy, and, most important, disease-free.
