Is walnut good for the elderly? Elderly people develop various diseases over time, and for this reason, they must follow a specific diet and carry out their daily activities. On the other hand, due to their physical conditions, they cannot eat every food because they may have problems in their digestive system. But you should know that walnuts are very beneficial for the elderly. This food does not cause any problems in this group of people, but rather helps treat some of their diseases. For this reason, keep reading this article from humanhealthmag to learn more about the benefits of eating walnuts for elderly.
Nutritional Value of Walnuts
- Calories: 185
- Water: 4%
- Protein: 4.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Fat: 18.5 g
Benefits of Eating Walnuts for Elderly
Why should elderly people eat walnuts? As a person gets older, their strength and health decrease, and after a while, they are unable to perform their daily tasks. However, the age at which the loss of strength begins and how much it changes depends entirely on the person’s lifestyle and diet. For this reason, elderly people should pay special attention to their diet because they can endanger their lives or cause serious harm to themselves by consuming harmful foods.
Due to the importance that societies attach to the elderly, many researchers have researched the nutrition of the elderly and the benefits of nuts for the elderly in order to help these people. In this research, it was found that walnuts are very beneficial for the elderly and should be included in their diet. Because walnuts help their body’s health and strengthen their body. What are effects of walnut consumption on older adults? In the following, we will mention the properties of walnuts for the elderly and why are walnuts good for them?
- Walnuts strengthen the immune system of the elderly
As we age, the immune system weakens and the body is less able to fight off various diseases. One of the most important benefits of eating walnuts for elderly is that it can strengthen the immune system of the elderly with various nutrients and increase their ability to fight all kinds of diseases.
- Walnuts provide the omega-3 needed by the elderly
Omega-3 is one of the substances needed by the elderly because it strengthens their skeleton. The body is not able to manufacture this substance and therefore must receive it from various foods, and walnuts are the main source of omega-3. This fat prevents cardiovascular disease that may occur in the elderly and reduces the risk of various strokes and heart attacks in the individual.
- Strengthening the digestive system
The digestive system is one of the systems that is at serious risk in the elderly and must be strengthened. Walnuts are one of the ingredients that strengthen the digestive system and help eliminate toxins from the elderly body. For this reason, walnuts are recommended for elderly people who have digestive diseases.
- Inflammation in the body of the elderly is eliminated by consuming walnuts
Inflammation and stress in people increase with age, which is a major factor in the development of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. However, by consuming a substance called polyphenol, this inflammation in the body is reduced and the progression of the disease is prevented. This polyphenol is present in walnut kernels, which is one of the reasons why walnut kernels are consumed by the elderly. For better absorption of this substance, it is better to consume walnuts with cheese and in the morning.
- Walnuts regulate the weight of the elderly
As people age, their metabolism decreases and for this reason, their weight increases, which is a natural occurrence for all people. So, at this time, attention should be paid to the type of nutrition so that the person does not suffer from this problem, because obesity brings with it various diseases. During this period, it is better to use nutrients that provide the body with the energy it needs and keep the person full. One of the substances that causes these two conditions in a person is walnuts, and for this reason walnuts are very beneficial for the elderly.
- Walnuts regulate sugar and blood pressure in the elderly
As mentioned, walnuts contain a large amount of omega-3, unsaturated fat and antioxidants. These substances do not settle in the body’s vessels, and therefore the elderly’s own pressure does not increase and is regulated. On the other hand, these substances prevent blood sugar from rising.
- Sleep in the elderly is regulated by consuming walnuts.
Insomnia is one of the problems seen in the elderly. Lack of sleep causes blood pressure changes in them and other problems. For this reason, it is better to regulate sleep quality for elderly with sleep apnea with different methods. One way is to use sleeping pills, but this method is not recommended due to its various side effects. To regulate sleep, the body needs melatonin, which is absorbed by the body in different ways. One of the rich sources of this substance is walnut kernels. By consuming walnut kernels, the elderly can regulate their sleep and not suffer from insomnia and this is one of the benefits of walnuts for elderly.
Amazing Benefits of Eating Walnuts for Seniors’ Memory
Walnuts, a delicious and nutritious snack, have long been known as “brain food.” But is this just a popular term or is there really scientific evidence behind this claim? In the following of this article, we’ll explore the benefits of eating walnuts for seniors’ dementia control and answer the question of why consuming walnuts could be beneficial for brain health and should be included in the diet for alzheimer’s patients.
Benefits of Eating Walnuts for Elderly Dementia
Why are walnuts good for the brain? Walnuts are rich in essential nutrients for brain health, including:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These fatty acids play an important role in the structure and function of the brain. Omega-3 helps improve memory, learning, and concentration, and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium, and copper in walnuts help maintain brain health and function.
Several scientific studies have shown that consuming walnuts can have significant benefits for brain health and memory, including:
- Walnuts help improve short-term and long-term memory.
- Consuming walnuts can increase the speed of learning and understanding.
- Walnuts help increase focus and attention and can prevent distraction.
- Studies have shown that regular consumption of walnuts can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Is It Beneficial to Eat Nuts and Walnuts Every Day to Prevent Dementia?
Researchers at the National Institute on Aging found that eating walnuts may help boost memory in Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older American adults. According to projections, the number of people living with dementia worldwide is expected to increase from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million by 2050 due to an aging population.
According to the results of a new study, eating nuts every day can significantly reduce the risk of dementia or dementia in middle-aged and sometimes even elderly people. An international team of researchers asked 50,300 British adults, mostly in their mid-fifties, to fill out a questionnaire about their nut-eating habits. They were then followed for an average of 7 years to see if they developed dementia.
About 1,400 cases of dementia were identified among those people. After taking into account factors such as age, gender, body mass index, education and lifestyle, the researchers found that eating nuts every day reduced the risk of dementia by 12 percent. For people who ate unsalted nuts and ate up to a handful, or 40 grams, each day, the benefits of eating walnuts were greatest, and their risk of dementia was reduced by 16 percent.
Experts have suggested that the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets, which are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, may be the best options for brain health. Nuts are an important part of all three diets. Spanish researchers have identified walnuts as “the type of nut with the most benefits for cognitive health.” Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help brain development and function
Seniors Should Eat Walnuts in This Season!
The new findings of scientists show that the elderly suffer a type of “depression” in the fall season, which causes them to face many problems. Elderly people should create a balance between their food in the fall season and consume more foods that make them “happy” and cheerful.
Studies show that walnuts are rich in “nutritious antioxidants” that make people feel happy and cheerful and provide energy throughout the day. It is worth noting that consuming walnuts prevents malnutrition in the “elderly” and all people, especially the elderly, should consume walnuts with breakfast. Read elderly malnutrition treatment in this article from the humanhealthmag.
Concluding Remarks
Why walnuts are healthy for aging adults? What are the benefits of eating walnuts for elderly? As people age, they suffer from many physical and mental illnesses. That is why it is necessary to reduce the problems of the elderly with healthy nutrition and use nutrients. One of these nutrients is walnuts. Walnuts do not cause problems for the elderly and prevent the development and progression of various diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure, which is because it contains various minerals and nutrients such as vitamins, sodium, potassium, omega-3, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many walnuts to eat per day?
In general, consuming 30 grams of walnuts (about 4 to 5 walnuts) daily is enough to benefit from their benefits for brain health and memory.
What are the tips for consuming walnuts?
You can consume walnuts raw, roasted or ground. You can add walnuts as a snack, add them to your salad or yogurt, or use them in making cakes and pastries. To maintain the quality and nutritional value of walnuts, store them in a cool and dry place.