Seniors should have a generous amount of heart-healthy fats and oils in their diets. Olives, avocados, nuts, nut butters, fatty fish, and coconut oil are all excellent additions for nourishing the brain and lubricating the joints. However, aging adults should avoid deep-fried fatty foods as much as possible. Here are five reasons why.
1. Provides a High Concentration of Fat
No matter how well french fries and chicken are drained after being dropped into vats of hot bubbling oil, they still retain much of the fat found in the cooking grease. These excess calories do more than wreak havoc on the waistline. Too many fatty fried foods can also put your senior loved one at greater risk for obesity and other weight-related health concerns.
2. Encourages Other Unhealthy Eating Habits
Few people dream of washing down a greasy burger with a tall glass of cold water. Certain food combinations go hand in hand, and when seniors sate their cravings for cheeseburgers, they’re also likely to quench their thirst with sugary sodas. In a single sitting, seniors with only moderate activity levels often consume more fat and calories than they need for the entire day.
Many seniors need a bit of help juggling all the details involved in optimizing their long-term health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior 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.
3. Leaves Less Room for Healthy Foods
Loading up on greasy food also limits the amount of room your loved one has for the foods that actually matter. Although people need fewer fats and calories at this stage of life, they still need plenty of nutrients. Fried foods and foods that are naturally greasy rarely have anything more than excessively high fat content.
If your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals, consider hiring a home caregiver. Roseville respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
4. Leads to Digestive Upset
Too much grease can cause acid reflux. For seniors, the likelihood of reflux, heartburn, and other digestive conditions is far higher than it is for younger adults. Food that went down easy in years past could be downright intolerable later in life.
5. Increases the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Greasy foods can do more than affect the way your loved one looks and feels. These foods can also affect the way your loved one’s body functions. Grease with a liquid-like consistency while hot hardens and congeals as it cools. Fats like these clog the arteries, especially when they’re consumed regularly and by someone who lacks generous amounts of rigorous physical activity.
Trained caregivers can encourage healthy eating habits and help seniors avoid foods that can be harmful. In Roseville, homecare providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.