Is Almond Milk Better Than Regular Milk For Seniors?
There is so much misinformation online it can be hard to know what your senior parents should be eating and which foods they should avoid. As always, having open communication with a health care provider will be the best way to understand what foods should be avoided. Some food may actually trigger unwanted responses in medication, or seniors may be allergic too. It is essential to understand which foods do that.
As a person ages, their bodies naturally change, a senior may also start having more health problems. Diet and exercise should be a huge focus for a senior, but that can be hard to understand when no one in the family has ever focused on those things. If you have been taking care of your senior parents but feel like you need more help, it may be time to hire elder care. These caregivers will help create a care plan for your seniors and ensure they can live independently.
One of the best reasons elder care is such a good choice for many families is to interview them to find the best match. Some may have experience with diet and exercise, while others may experience other challenges your senior faces daily. It is something to consider when you can no longer take care of your parents. At some point, with or without elder care in place, you will need to consider your senior’s diet. Simple things like choosing between milk and almond milk become challenging. So which one is best for them? There are pros and cons to drinking almond milk.
Why Choose Almond Milk Over Milk?
Almond milk has been used as a milk replacement since the Middle Ages, when its lengthy shelf life made it preferable to fresh cow’s milk. However, this may not be the best option for everyone. The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of almond milk.
Almond Milk Has High Antioxidants
Almond milk has a high concentration of the antioxidant vitamin E, which may help prevent cancer and delay the aging process. Additionally, the flavonoids in almond milk assist to minimize free radicals in the body, therefore protecting you against a variety of degenerative illnesses that come with age, such as osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.
This alternative milk is also filled with other vitamins and minerals like:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Selenium
It Is Heart Healthy
Unlike cow’s milk, almond milk is cholesterol- and saturated-fat-free, which means it is safe for your cardiovascular system. Additionally, almond milk is strong in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help decrease your “bad” LDL cholesterol and protect your heart. Additionally, you’ll benefit from the additional advantages of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as increased cognitive performance.
Unsafe for Tree Nut Allergies
This all sounds amazing right? It is a great milk alternative that is low fat and low calorie, unfortunately if a senior has an allergy to any kind of nuts, it is not the best option. Because this is made from almonds a senior with a nut allergy should avoid this option and go for regular milk.
If you or someone you know needs help with Elder Care in Lowell, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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