Do you know that as you grow older, your body needs a nutritional diet that often remains unmet? You grow frail, vulnerable to falling off the stairs and doing heavy household chores.
In such a scenario, certified home care providers are the unsung heroes who look after loved ones’ well-being and help them in dire situations.
On the occasion of World Food Day, today’s blog is focused on the various risks of processed foods in the advancing years. We will also take a peek at how certified caregivers help loved ones to eat healthy and make healthy choices.
By the end of this blog, you will find the right place to find your preferred home care providers.
Processed Food Definition
Do you like ham sandwiches? Does your grandmother love it too? When you are caring for loved ones, this question may often come to your mind too. Whether you should give food to your loved ones or not is a matter of choice.
We do believe that processed foods are dietary demons and don’t add up to any nutritional value. Processed foods are often blamed for the increasing risks of various health issues like Cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and so on. But do these processed foods deserve these malicious statements?
Processed foods have no formal definition. According to the definition online, anything that could be chopped, sliced, cut, frozen, or canned is considered a processed food. It includes canned beans, a bag of barbecue chips, frozen mac and cheese, pizza, bread, and whatnot!
But do you know all processed foods are bad for your loved ones? For instance, a bag of roasted peanuts is healthier for you, but chocolate-dipped peanuts are even worse.
In the next section, we will be taking a look at the list of processed foods that are healthier and unhealthy for loved ones.
Processed Foods Lists
Firstly, let us tell you that there are three categories of processed foods.
Minimal processed foods
This includes:
- Bagged lettuce and spinach
- Pre-cut vegetables
- Roasted nuts
- Dried fruits
- Canned fruits (unsweetened)
- Canned vegetables and beans (unsalted)
- Canned fish
Processed foods
This includes:
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Whole-wheat breads
- Pastas
- Breakfast cereals
- Nutritional shakes
Ultra-processed foods or highly processed foods
This includes:
- Chips
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- Sodas
- Candy
- Cookies
- Deli meats
- Sausages
- Instant noodles and soups
- Fried foods
Now that you know the various kinds of processed foods, let us provide you with a list of processed foods for older people. We will also tell you why these processed foods are good for your loved ones.
Over here, you can find a list of processed foods good for older people.
However, it is better to consult healthcare professionals before consuming processed foods.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables- For a daily dose of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Canned beans- Good source of proteins, fibers, and other nutrients
- Whole wheat breads- Rich source of fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Low-fat dairy- Enriched with calcium and protein
- Fortified breakfast cereals- Have low sugar content and high fiber and protein
Apart from these, the minimal processed food list includes,
- Nuts and seeds are filled with protein, healthy fats, and fiber
- Avocados are enriched with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins
- Olive oil enriched with antioxidants and healthy fats
- Greek yogurt is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics
How Do Processed Foods Affect Older People?
High-processed foods have low nutrients like vitamins, minerals, sodium, or fiber that exacerbate nutrition deficiencies. High-sodium foods increase various health risks, like cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Let’s dive deeper into how ultra-processed foods can affect older people:
- Unmet nutrition needs make them prone to various illness
- High sodium and trans fats increase cardiovascular illness and stroke
- A high level of added sugar increases the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems
- Lack of dietary fiber increases digestive problems
Certified Home Care Providers are the Unsung Heroes
- Educating older adults and their families about the increasing risks of processed foods
- Plan and prepare nutritious meals rich in diet and low in processed foods
- Assistance in choosing healthier food options while grocery shopping
- Making balanced and homemade meals to ensure nutrient-rich diets
- Monitoring the diet while ensuring that older people are hydrated
- Providing emotional support and motivation to consume healthy diets
- Providing flexible dietary needs as per evolving needs and preferences
In Conclusion
Home care providers play a crucial role in ensuring that older people are consuming a healthy diet that mitigates various health risks. By providing education, planning diets, and emotional assistance, one can support older loved ones and encourage them to make healthy choices.
Finding Certified Home Care Providers in Maryland
If you have been looking for a certified caregiver in Maryland, look no further than the best home care agency, Comfikare Homecare.
We have a list of experienced caregivers with a badge of CNAs who ensure that your loved one is safe and secure. We look at the evolving needs and preferences of loved ones and help them with flex care services so that they can enjoy their golden years. Also, if you have been wondering whether our caregivers are the best ones, check out our care management services where we will support your loved ones with comprehensive home care assistance. You also get a 15-minute free consultation to plan your care in the advancing years.