Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can be found in almost every type of soft tissue throughout the human body. When there’s too much cholesterol, pockets of this substance start attaching to arteries and increase an individual’s risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. Seniors who have recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels need to avoid these foods to protect their overall health.
1. Ground Turkey
Many people think of ground turkey as a healthy alternative to beef, but seniors must carefully read the labels before purchasing this meat. Some ground turkey is made from all parts of the bird, which results in fatty meat. Lean ground turkey made from breast meat has much more protein without the extra fat.
Preparing healthy meals at home can be challenging for some seniors. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Roseville, CA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
2. Whole Dairy Products
Many health organizations used to claim dairy was a vital component of the food pyramid, but researchers have determined cheese and milk aren’t always healthy. Whole dairy products have quite a bit of protein and calcium, but they’re also very fatty. Seniors who enjoy dairy products should stick to either low-fat or nonfat options.
3. Fast Food
There are a few fast food restaurants that serve healthy meals, but most of their options are filled with oil and fat. Seniors don’t necessarily need to avoid all fast food, but they should keep a close eye on the ingredients and nutritional values. Some foods that appear to be healthy, such as chicken sandwiches and salads, can still be high in cholesterol.
4. Fried Fish
Though seafood offers many health benefits, not all fish is healthy. Seniors who have high cholesterol or heart conditions should avoid fish that’s deep fried or cooked in butter. Tilapia and lobster are two of the unhealthiest options because they’re traditionally cooked in some type of fat or oil.
One of the best ways to boost quality of life is to follow a healthy diet. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
5. Applesauce
This is another food most people believe is healthy, but processing an apple tends to remove all of its key nutrients. When an apple is cooked, almost all of the vitamin C and fiber is destroyed. Most companies also add sugar to their applesauce products, and blood sugar fluctuations can increase cholesterol levels over time.
6. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are unhealthy because of how they’re cooked. This dish is generally filled with dairy products like cream, milk, and butter. It also contains a bit of salt to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Mashed sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative as long as low-fat milk is used.
7. Pastries
Seniors can eat pastries as an occasional treat, but baked sweets shouldn’t be a regular part of an aging adult’s diet. To make the breading flaky, dairy products must be used. Most pastries contain a few eggs and a large amount of sugar. Fresh fruit pies with only a bite or two of crust are a little bit healthier, but they also need to be a rare treat.
8. Cream Cheese
A single small serving of cream cheese can contain over 27 mg of cholesterol. Luckily, there are many great alternatives, including cottage cheese, ricotta, and yogurt. Some companies also make low-fat cream cheese, but it’s typically filled with sugar to enhance the taste.
In addition to eating well, there are several other things older adults can do to reduce their risk of high cholesterol, and professional caregivers can help them meet this goal. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Roseville, CA, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Call Home Care Assistance today at (916) 226-3737 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Care Managers.