Not only is peanut butter a delicious snack, but it also has great health benefits for people of all ages. Here are four ways peanut butter can boost senior health.
1. Prevents Heart Disease
People who eat plenty of nuts and nut products, including peanut butter, aren’t as likely to develop heart disease as those who don’t eat nuts. Several studies have shown that eating a handful of peanuts four or five times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 50 percent. The healthy fats in peanut butter lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. The potassium in peanut butter also helps the heart function.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Boosts Glucose Levels
For those with type 2 diabetes, eating two ounces of peanut butter a day can boost glucose levels. Peanut butter can also greatly decrease the risk of diabetes when eaten several times a week. However, many types of peanut butter have added sugar, so seniors should eat natural peanut butter to avoid the high sugar content.
3. Protects against Memory Loss
Foods high in niacin can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive conditions that are common among aging adults. In addition to containing high levels of niacin, peanuts and peanut butter also have quite a bit of vitamin E, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Just one ounce of peanuts has about 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults.
Seniors may need help with shopping for healthy foods and preparing nutritious meals and snacks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Richmond respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
4. Builds Muscle
Peanut butter is an excellent source of plant protein, which builds and strengthens muscles. Studies have shown plant protein is the best form of protein to strengthen thigh muscles, which are essential for maintaining stability and balance.
Eating nutritious foods every day is just one way for seniors to enjoy good health. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Richmond families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today at (804) 207-4746 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.