Nuts contain a lot of health benefits including fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats. While they are higher in calories than other snacks, their overall nutritional value makes them an ideal snack for seniors. This post discusses the health benefits of nuts along with which nuts help support different aspects of health.
Nuts Contain Good Fats
Nuts help support heart health because they contain unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol, protect heart health, reduce joint pain, and inflammation. Walnuts in particular help to keep the mind sharp because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that people who consumed an ounce of walnuts daily had a higher baseline cognitive score at the start of the study. Those who didn’t scored lower.
Supporting Eye Heath
Seniors are at risk for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or AMD. It’s the leading cause of vision loss in adults over age 50. Nuts such as peanuts and hazelnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which cut down on the risk of AMD. The vitamin C found in chestnuts and pistachios also helps with this. Brazil nuts, pine nuts, and cashews are high in zinc and reduce cloudy cataracts and poor night vision.
Get Fiber with Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain a whole host of benefits. Consuming just 12 every day provides 10% of daily fiber intake. This goes a long way in promoting bowel health and regularity. They also lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, and diabetes. Macadamia nuts support a healthy nervous system and maintain healthy bones thanks to thiamin and manganese, respectively.
Control Blood Sugar and Manage Weight
Nuts help the body control blood sugar and give it more time to process sugar. They minimize large upticks in blood sugar. Pair nuts with a piece of fruit, or have whole-grain toast with peanut butter. By eating a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in a snack, an older adult may eat fewer carbs.
Another way to support overall health for seniors is to ask for assistance when you need it. The caregiving team at Optimal Senior Care Solutions helps seniors in Orange County, CA and Newport Beach, CA. We help older adults with different aspects of care such as personal care, meal preparation, companion care, and specialty care. Reach out to us today at 949-535-2211!
