Your Health

Seniors

Good nutrition is important throughout life; however, it becomes especially critical in later life.

Eating well can help manage chronic health problems and be the key to staying mentally sharp, emotionally balanced and energetic, with a strong immune system and a positive outlook. Many seniors face eating obstacles that can hinder health including physical, lifestyle and emotional changes. However, these natural changes should not prevent individuals from obtaining proper nutrition and enjoying eating.

Walnuts can help seniors with some of these issues while simultaneously assisting them in meeting their daily nutrient and calorie needs. Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found a diet containing as much as 6% walnuts (equivalent to 1 oz in humans) was able to reverse age-related motor and cognitive deficits in aged rats. The researchers believe that walnuts may have the ability to protect the brain and concluded that adding walnuts to your diet may increase “health span” by delaying the onset of debilitating neurodegenerative disease.

Here are a few fast and easy ways to add nourishment to your meals and snacks:

  • Start the morning off on the right foot with a hot bowl of oatmeal topped off with fresh fruit and chopped up walnuts or try one of these great breakfast recipes.
  • Make meals attractive by incorporating different colors, shapes and textures of foods. Chopped walnuts are an easy way to add flavor, crunch and nutrition to your favorite fast food salad or canned soup. Our Grilled Mexican Cobb Salad is a colorful mix of veggies and crunchy walnuts that is perfect as an entree.
  • Stir a handful of walnuts into a small container of yogurt or pudding. The walnuts add protein (4 grams/ounce) and fiber (2 grams/ounce) to help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
  • It’s important to make food taste good as taste diminishes with age. To boost the flavor of foods, try adding herbs, spices and fruit juices to sauces and recipes. Dill, parsley, cinnamon, nutmeg, onions and lemon or orange juices can zest up a bland meal.
  • Consider jazzing up a pre-made entrée by folding in some chopped walnuts.
  • Combine vanilla yogurt, a splash of milk or soy milk, a small banana, and a handful of walnuts in a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy as a meal or snack. 

Check out the Awesome Banana Walnut Shake for an ideal snack or meal for those of all ages: Awesome Banana Walnut Shake