Superfoods for seniors

 
In these age-sensitive times, aren't we all looking for ways to keep ourselves looking and feeling young all the time? Having said that, there is a barrage of information out there that promises the coveted youthful look and sifting the useful facts from the misleading ones can be a challenge.
Putting in quality ingredients into our body also becomes important after a certain age to prevent the onset of the most commonly dreaded age-related illnesses - from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, with cardiac health being of utmost priority.
So, here is a breakdown of the superfoods that should make it to your shopping bucket as you purchase your monthly groceries.
Beetroots
You can roast them, grind them, make soups or simply juice them. Beetroots have truckloads of Vitamin A and C and, of course, minerals such as calcium, manganese, potassium and iron as well as folic acid and fiber.
Beetroots are very low in calories, hence great for weight loss. The high antioxidant content can help lower blood pressure significantly and may help in improving your performance during a workout apart from preventing dementia in some cases.
Blueberries
Start your day with these little babies and you will feel a significant difference in your energy levels. High in Vitamin C and K and manganese, blueberries are also full of powerful antioxidants and soluble fiber and help optimise blood sugar levels and reduce LDL levels. Add them to your smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal or just pop them straight as a healthy, energising snack.
Mixed Nuts
What do we generally reach out for when feeling peckish? Yes, those dratted chips, crackers and muffins. What if instead of stocking our kitchen cupboards and office drawers with all these nasties, we were to stock them with a mix of nuts and dried fruits?
Not only are they high in omegas and antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, they actually help quench your sweet cravings big time. A handful of nuts just when the sugar monster attacks will make you feel strangely full and satisfied.
Nuts can also help with weight loss and help reduce inflammation, prevent heart attacks and strokes and give your digestive system a much-needed boost. Just make sure you do not exceed the recommended- handful per day, otherwise you start seeing adverse effects like weight gain and a spike in cholesterol level.
Dark Chocolate
Here is our favourite indulgence that is actually good for you. Just 40 grams of 80 per cent dark chocolate a day can help in significantly lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Dark chocolate consists of fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and selenium. These minerals also help in improving your mood significantly due to the endorphins being released in our blood stream.
Verdict: Pick your superfoods and include them in your daily diet. These nutrient-dense foods can help stave off so many ailments that you will wonder why you didn't include them in your diet all these years! Better late than never, right?
wknd@khaleejtimes.com