Whole grains are an important part of any well-balanced diet, but they are essential for people who are in their senior years. Research has found that seniors who choose to eat whole grains have a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. In addition, this same study found that people who indulge in whole grains and have heart disease are less likely to die from the condition.
At St. Bernardine Care Providers, we recommend that our High Desert patients enjoy a well-balanced, nutrition-packed diet that includes plenty of whole grains.
What are Some Facts About This Study?
The study was completed at the University of Maryland by an assistant professor named Nadine Sahyoun. Sahyoun is considered an expert in the field of older adult nutrition. The goal of the research was to discover how whole grains impacted the metabolism of senior adults. In order to perform the research, the study asked 500 people who were over the age of 60 to complete a three-day food diary.
After the diaries were turned in and studied, researchers who were participating in the study noted that adults who enjoyed more whole grains lowered their risk of hypertension significantly. In fact, the study found that the more whole grains that were consumed, the healthier the patient was.
Patients who ate three or more servings of whole grains per day were even less likely to have heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension than those who only had one serving per day. This was the first study performed that specifically analyzed the benefits of whole grains for aging adults.
How Can Whole Grains Benefit Me?
While whole grains are especially beneficial for seniors, these important grains can be beneficial for anyone and everyone. It is important to get in the habit of opting for whole grains rather than refined grains starting from childhood.
Parents can get their children used to the taste of whole grains by choosing these products when their kids are young, and then the children are more likely to automatically choose whole grains into their adulthood. Young adults can easily make the switch once they realize the benefits. Whole grains include fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to living a healthy life.
Apple Valley caregivers should work with the professionals at St. Bernardine Care Providers in order to see how easy it can be to replace other products with whole grains. For example, instead of grabbing that loaf of white bread from the shelf at the grocery store, you could easily opt for a loaf of fresh, nutritious whole grain bread.
Simple changes like these can make a big difference in someone’s health, especially if they are at risk for diabetes or heart disease. As with anything, it is important to enjoy whole grains in moderation and in conglomeration with a variety of other nutrients. The person’s diet should also be rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in order to keep that person feeling their best and as healthy as possible.
