6 Health Benefits for Seniors Who Eat Garlic

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6 Health Benefits of Garlic for Older Adults in Roseville, CA

Following a proper diet has been shown to prevent the development of various medical conditions and alleviate existing health issues. Garlic has been used for centuries to season foods. However, the aromatic vegetable also offers the following benefits. 

1. Combats Infection

Garlic boosts the body’s natural immune system. It contains a chemical component known as allicin, which fights bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Allicin is activated when garlic is chopped, crushed, or minced. Garlic also has a wealth of antioxidants that interfere with the free radicals that damage cells. Seniors who consume raw garlic can decrease the number of days they are afflicted with colds and flu by up to 70 percent. 

Some seniors need help preparing nutrient-dense meals and making other lifestyle choices that boost health and wellbeing. If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits and accomplishing daily tasks, a caregiver from Home Care Assistance Roseville can help. Our caregivers are expertly trained to provide mental and social stimulation, assist with exercise, prepare nutritious meals, and much more.

2. Relieves Inflammation and Pain

Garlic contains a flavonoid called quercetin, which reduces the inflammation and swelling that often causes pain. Quercetin can also decrease inflammation in the presence of infections or chronic medical conditions. 

3. Provides Nutrition

Garlic is loaded with vitamins B1, B6, and C as well as calcium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium. The sulfur-containing chemical compounds found in garlic benefit various body systems. Each clove of garlic has only four calories. 

4. Lowers LDL Cholesterol

Exercise increases HDL, or good cholesterol, and reduces LDL, or bad cholesterol. However, if an older adult has a medical condition that limits physical activity, eating garlic is an easy alternative. Garlic has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent depending on the quantity consumed each day. Chop or crush one clove and mix it with honey. Spread the mixture on a piece of bread or crackers and serve it to your loved one. It’s best to serve raw garlic because cooking destroys its beneficial compounds. 

5. Enhances Cardiovascular Health 

Garlic stimulates the chemical compounds that dilate blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure levels and increases blood circulation. Allicin interferes with the production and release of angiotensin II, which is responsible for blood vessel constriction. If seniors take dried garlic in tablet form, they may experience a drop in blood pressure by up to 10 percent after three months. The chemical compounds in garlic also have the ability to decrease the time it takes for blood to coagulate. While eating garlic prevents blood clots, seniors on blood thinners may be at a greater risk of developing unusual bleeding or bruising. 

Eating garlic is just one of the many ways seniors can keep a variety of health issues at bay. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Roseville families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

6. Protects the Brain

Inflammatory and oxidative processes contribute to the aging process, which includes interfering with cellular ability to replicate, grow, and thrive. However, the compounds in garlic prevent these processes from occurring, which protects brain cells. The decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels lowers the risk of a heart attack or a stroke that could lead to cell damage, reduced oxygen circulation, and neuron damage.

From preparing nutritious meals to exercising on a regular basis, older adults may need help with an array of tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Roseville 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver for your aging loved one, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.

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