A Great Snack & Caregiver's Secret Weapon
At Seniors Home Care we know caregivers and the demands put on them daily. To provide the best care, you need to be at the top of your game, and most of us ignore proper nutrition due to lack of time.
Packed with nutrients and there’s no preparation required – nuts are a terrific snack for caregivers, who need to maintain their energy and are often short on time. They’re inexpensive, easy to store and convenient on the go. The fat content that once gave them a bad rap is now considered to be a “good fat.”
Recently, a Nurses’ Health Study found that one daily serving of nuts was associated with a 20% lower mortality rate. People who ate nuts five or more times per week had a 29% reduction in deaths from heart disease and an 11% reduction in deaths from cancer.
Specific fat types (unsaturated fats) and other nutrients in nuts (fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytosterols) are quite beneficial. Benefits vary depending on the nut, but some may include:
- Lower cholesterol
- Increased heart health
- Counteracting the development of cancer-causing agents
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation or swelling
- Improved immune system
Preventing cognitive declineThis is great news, but remember that even though most fat in nuts is healthy fat, it is still a lot of calories. Enjoy them in moderation, otherwise the added calories offset heart-healthy benefits. Substitute a handful of nuts for a less healthy snack. Opt for raw or dry-roasted nuts over those cooked in oil.
Next time you’re hankering for a snack, reach for a handful of nuts.
Join the Discussion
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Post Tags
Caregiving and Health