Blueberries

The term superfood gets thrown around a lot, and almost sounds mystical. But essentially these are some of the foods that we regularly eat such as salmon, blueberries, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, walnuts, oatmeal, and so on. The only difference is that these so-called superfoods have more nutrients, vitamins, minerals and more antioxidants. These additional compounds can be beneficial in improving health, losing fat, stopping renegade cells from growing, and even killing certain harmful bacteria types that are found in the gut.

For senior citizens, the superfoods can be even more useful. However, not all superfoods offer the best value, and on top of that, there are some that are not ideal for elderly, especially if they have any chronic health issues. If are not sure which are the five best superfoods for you or your beloved senior, don’t miss out these amazingly powerful foods that can have a significant impact on the overall health.

Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are the holy grail of superfood lovers. Some of these foods include cold water Salmon, walnut, avocado, flaxseed and its oil, kidney beans, winter squash, pecans, navy beans, coconut oil, mixed berries, and most leafy greens. When eaten along with an overall healthy diet, these foods can do wonders to the human body. They have shown to suppress inflammation that can lead to several diseases including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and so on. If you’re wondering why sardine – one of the most omega 3 fatty acid rich foods – wasn’t mentioned, the answer is because of its allegedly high mercury content.

Green Tea

Made from Camellia Sinensis herb, green tea has been a go-to remedy for several health conditions among different cultures especially in Asia, although its origin is China. The miraculous drink is believed to reduce risks of certain cancers, depression, diabetes, inflammation due to arthritis, improve brain function and gums, and slow down the aging process. All this happens because of the active ingredient called epigallocatechin gallate, in addition to some antioxidants. However, since it contains caffeine, drinking excessive amounts isn’t recommended.

Pomegranate

One of the best tasting, juice superfoods, this unique fruit can prevent the build-up of cholesterol and thus may help reduce the risk of several diseases including prostate cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Its active ingredient known as ellagitannin compounds can also be helpful in relieving gastric irritation, influenza, and other viral infections.

Blueberries

Blueberries carry a wide variety of benefits for seniors and, because they are conveniently sized and very soft, are extremely easy to eat as compared to some other foods. Their health benefits include improved brain function, lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The active ingredient called anthocyanins –  that gives them their unique blue color – is a type of powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids.

Herbs and Spices

There is a vast range of herbs and spices that can qualify to be an excellent superfood for seniors including garlic, ginger, and rosemary. Garlic, in particular, is renowned for boosting the overall immune system – thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It can be mixed and eaten with other superfoods, such as rosemary and can also be cooked in foods or blended in your smoothies and juices. Last but not the least, when added to green tea, it not only takes the taste to a whole new level but also offers the combined benefits of two of the most potent superfoods.

Conclusion

Before you heat out for grocery next time, make sure to add these superfoods to your shopping list and watch the positive impact on the health. However, these foods can’t diminish the importance of exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle. Moreover, doing intense activities, such as jogging or lifting weights, for seniors might not always be easy because of health issues. This is where modern workout equipment such as elliptical and exercise bikes can come in handy. Exercise peddlers are an even better and safer choice for seniors  - read all the exercise peddler benefits here. All in all, these superfoods along with an overall healthy diet and active lifestyle can exponentially improve your health.