5 Foods Older Adults Should Eat for Healthy Arteries

Maintaining a healthy heart is important for everyone, especially seniors. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of foods that can keep arteries strong, clear, and healthy. Unclogging and maintaining clear arteries lowers blood pressure and works to reduce inflammation. Check out these five foods that can easily be incorporated into your senior loved one’s diet. 

1. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds regulate blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides. They’re concentrated sources of antioxidants and packed with protein and nutrients to regulate energy levels. Chia seeds can be used in smoothies, turned into an easy pudding with milk, or sprinkled into batter for pancakes or other baked goods. 

For many seniors, preparing healthy meals on their own can be challenging. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Miami families trust Assisting Hands Home Care 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. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is full of antioxidants and reduces bad cholesterol. It can easily be added to the diet by sprinkling it on cereal, adding it to coffee, and adding it to oatmeal in the morning. Just one tablespoon of cinnamon per day can have immediate effects.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries by converting cholesterol to pregnenolone (a precursor for much-needed hormones) in the bloodstream. It also has a high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides that help with blood coagulation. Keep some on hand for your loved one to use when cooking healthy meals. 

Some seniors have mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to prepare nutritious meals on their own. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Miami seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the live-in care they need and deserve. 

4. Nuts

Nuts are a heart-healthy snack that also suppress the appetite, leading to less overeating. Almonds are the best choice of nuts with monounsaturated fats, protein, and alpha-linoleic acid. The latter can regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation. 

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a very powerful anti-inflammatory due to its concentrations of curcumin. This component drastically reduces inflammation and fatty deposits that damage artery walls. It’s easy to add turmeric to the diet, as it has a very subtle taste despite its vibrant yellow color. Sprinkle the spice on anything from burgers to a stir-fry or add it to marinades or dressings. 

Some aging adults may need help making lifestyle adjustments to maintain healthy arteries and reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiac issues. At-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.