February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and the efforts we can all be making to improve it. For any seniors who deal with heart health risks or known issues, there are several areas that are typically considered in terms of care and treatment – and one of the single most notable is your diet.

At Cozy Retire, we’re here to assist with any medical conditions or risks that our guests may have within our Ogden assisted living communities, including heart health concerns of any kind. Why is diet so important for seniors and many other people who have heart-related conditions or risk factors, and what are some simple ways to maintain a heart-healthy diet? Here are some basics.

Why Diet is So Important for Senior Heart Health

Firstly, nutrition can play a crucial role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Different nutrients may have different effects on heart health, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, monounsaturated fatty acids (found in olive oil and avocados), omega-3 fatty acids (found in some fish) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in nuts and seeds).

Secondly, nutrition is also important for controlling cholesterol levels. Poor dietary choices can increase cholesterol levels, while a healthy diet can help lower them. This includes reducing saturated fat intake, limiting trans fats and avoiding processed foods that are high in sodium.

Finally, heart-healthy eating can also help manage blood pressure levels and maintain a healthy weight. Eating the right foods with balanced nutrients will ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals needed to support your cardiovascular system.

Lots of Fruits and Veggies

As we touched on above, fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help support your heart. Make sure to get plenty of colorful produce in your diet such as apples, oranges, berries, spinach, kale, carrots and squash.

Avoid Processed Foods

On the flip side, try to limit or avoid processed foods, which are often high in sodium and low in nutrients. This includes packaged snacks like chips, instant meals and pre-made frozen dinners.

Whole Grains

Choose whole grain sources of carbohydrates instead of refined grains. Whole grains may help reduce cholesterol levels and provide more fiber for your diet.

Lean Protein

For protein intake, which is very important for seniors, choose lean sources such as fish, poultry and beans. Also consider adding in some healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and avocados.

Drinking Lots of Water

Finally, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps to keep your body hydrated and can even help you feel fuller after meals.

By following these simple tips, seniors can make sure that they are getting all of the nutrients their bodies need to support their overall heart health. If you have any questions about heart-healthy diets for seniors or about any of our senior living community services in Ogden, speak to our caring staff at Cozy Retire today.