Super foods have received a significant amount of press lately. Super foods receive their designation because they are simple foods that do not require much preparation to eat and they provide significant nutritional value. In most cases, the foods can be enjoyed on their own and are best when they are not overly processed. There are a handful of super foods that are beneficial for adult men and women at all ages. These super foods contain so many vitamins and minerals that can help keep even older adults who are receiving elderly care feeling better.

Chocolate for Heart Health

One of the best super foods is one of the most favorite foods all over the world. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is one super food that most people enjoy eating. Even though chocolate is considered a super food, it does not mean that adults should eat as much chocolate as the want throughout the day. Dieticians often recommend that adults, even those receiving elderly care, should eat a small piece of dark chocolate one time per day. That small piece should be no more than one ounce and the dark the chocolate the better. Elder care providers should look for chocolate that has very few ingredients on the label. Dark chocolate has so many benefits, with one of the biggest being lowering blood pressure.

EVOO for Anti-Oxidants

Another super food that everyone should add to their diets is the food known as EVOO, or “extra virgin olive oil.” Again, like chocolate, EVOO should not be added to every meal, but if a tablespoon is placed on a salad of healthy greens, it is beneficial to the diet. Extra virgin olive oil works as an anti-oxidant that will keep inflammation low. Elderly care providers can also use a tablespoon when preparing a healthy piece of salmon or white fish, too.

Flaxseed for Fiber and Healthy Hearts

Flaxseed is another super food that is easy to add to the diet. Flaxseed comes in three different forms, its natural form that looks like a seed, crushed, and oil. Flaxseeds look like sesame seeds. Interestingly, the seed provides more health benefits than when it has been crushed and ground into a powder or used as oil. Flaxseed has healthy Omega-3 fatty acids that help fight heart disease. It also contains a significant amount of fiber. Flaxseed can easily be sprinkled on oatmeal or breakfast cereals. It is also often found in whole grain breads. Interestingly, flaxseed can also help fight hot flashes for menopausal women. Elderly care providers can easily find creative and tasty ways to add flaxseed to their patients’ meals.

Berries for Antioxidants and Joint Health

Another super food that requires absolutely no preparation is a group of foods: berries. The best berries for adults of all ages are blueberries and raspberries. These dark berries are full of antioxidants which help adults receiving elderly care free of inflammation. This means that they will have less pain in their sensitive joints. Elder care providers should work hard to include these super foods in their patients’ diets at least one time per day.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of elderly care services in Garden Oaks, TX contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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