As we get older, we’re more likely to have a wide range of health issues that can make even the simplest daily tasks more complex. Promoting healthy eating habits such as consume yogurt is one approach to reducing their risk of developing age-related diseases. Our Personal Care community recommends including yogurt in your loved one’s daily routine as a means of encouraging a diet rich in nutritious foods. New research from the University of South Australia suggests that consuming this simple and inexpensive food daily could have significant benefits for persons with high blood pressure. The study, conducted in conjunction with the University of Maine, looked at how regularly eating yogurt affected blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Yogurt was found to have a protective effect against hypertension (high blood pressure).
Helps the Bowel to Do Its Job
About 20% of those over the age of 65 suffer from chronic constipation. Constipation is quite frequent in the elderly, and the most common causes include inactivity, inadequate fluid, and fiber consumption, and the side effects of diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. However, the probiotics, such as yeast and good bacteria, in yogurt can aid digestion. Daily consumption of yogurt with supper helps alleviate constipation in a loved one with impaired bowel function.
Adds Protein
The need of getting enough protein in one’s diet as one age is often overlooked by senior citizens. Increased bone density and decreased risk of osteoporosis are just a few of the many benefits derived from this essential component. Given that yogurt has even more protein than regular yogurt, just one serving a day can help your loved one satisfy his or her protein needs.
Desserts
It’s good news for the elderly whose doctors have recommended that they reduce their intake of sweets. Yogurt, when frozen or semi-frozen, takes on the consistency of frozen yogurt and dessert without adding sugar, fat, or calories. These yogurts are the perfect sweet treat for your loved one.
Blood Pressure Control
To combat the effects of sodium on the kidneys, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Pressure Institute suggests that seniors who have high blood pressure consume two to three servings per day of sodium-free meals that are high in vitamin content. Y yogurt is an excellent choice since it satisfies all of these qualities, as it is low in fat and rich in nutrients that help lower salt levels, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Bone-Strengthening
Increased consumption of yogurt has been linked to a higher hip bone strength and a considerably lower risk of osteoporosis in elderly adults, according to the findings of the biggest ongoing study to date of dairy consumption and bone and frailty assessments in older adults. This study was conducted on older adults. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 1,057 women and 763 men, and physical function was evaluated in 2,624 women and 1,290 men in this Irish study. The Nurses’ Health Study found that women who consumed more yogurt had a 30% lower risk of myocardial infarction, while men who consumed more yogurt had a 19% lower risk. Throughout the study’s follow-up period, those in both groups who consumed more than two servings of yogurt per week exhibited roughly 20% decreased risk of severe coronary heart disease or bone problems.
