The Importance of Getting Enough Omega 3s in Your Senior Care Plan

By Jamie Shapiro | September 23, 2015 | Comments Off on The Importance of Getting Enough Omega 3s in Your Senior Care Plan

Senior Care in Lake Forest IL

Getting the nutrients that their bodies need on a daily basis is a critical part of making sure that your elderly loved ones stay healthy, strong, and functional, and that they are able to live the highest quality of life possible. Making sure they get what they need, however, means understanding the nutrients, how they function within the body, and what foods have them in the highest concentrations so you can create a healthy, beneficial diet.

One of these nutrients is omega 3 fatty acids. While fat is likely already on your radar when it comes to creating a healthy diet within your senior care plan, it is important to realize that not all fats are the same. Omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide variety of health benefits, including:

• Easing of rheumatoid arthritis

• Reduced instance of heart disease

• Protecting against irregular heartbeat

• Reducing fatty plaque deposits inside the artery walls

• Decreasing blood clotting

• Increasing HDL, known as good cholesterol

• Decreasing blood fats called triglycerides

• Decreasing inflammation throughout the body

• Reducing risk of sudden death from heart attack

• Improving brain health

• Reducing risk of depression, anxiety, and mood imbalances

 

Integrating foods high in omega 3 fatty acids into your parents’ daily diet is a fantastic way to support ongoing health and wellbeing, and help protect them against many physical and cognitive concerns. Some of the delicious foods that you and your parents’ senior health care services provider can encourage in your parents’ diet include:

• Flaxseeds. Flaxseeds are one of the densest sources of this essential fatty acid, and are extremely versatile, particularly when in oil form. Try integrating flaxseed oil into your favorite salad dressings, drizzle it over meats, fish, or chicken, or add it to sauces and soups.

• Walnuts. Walnuts are a delicious, high-power snack option that is perfect for grabbing by the handful for on-the-go eating, or for enjoying in salads or even sneaked into desserts for a bit of benefit even in your indulgence.

• Salmon. This fish is not just luxurious and delicious, it is extremely healthy. Just one serving contains half of your daily recommended value of omega 3 fatty acids. Try it on its own for a satisfying dinner, broken up and turned into a decadent version of crab cakes, or transformed into a more grown-up version of tuna salad.

• Tofu. A fabulous alternative to meat, tofu is made of soybeans, which are, in any form, a good source of these fatty acids. Tofu comes in several densities so you can use it for a variety of different recipes. Firm tofu is great for grilling or frying to replace meat, while silken tofu is a wonderful protein boost for smoothies and sauces.

 

Get in touch with the elder care agency in your area to find out more about hiring a senior health care services provider who can help you to pursue and reach your dietary goals for your aging loved ones.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care services in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

 

Jamie Shapiro
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