Our aging care professionals in Raleigh and nearby areas understand that it’s tough to set dietary goals for senior heart health when guidelines appear to constantly be changing. We’d been told that saturated fats from sources such as butter, red meat and fried food were harmful and could influence a person’s odds of developing heart complications, but later research revealed there isn’t enough proof that people who gave up these delicacies improved their heart health. So, we went back to our previous ways because of the green light to opt for butter instead of margarine.
And yet, as revealed in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, scientists clarify that the lack of evident results in reducing fatty foods is more likely linked to equally poor nutritional choices selected in the place of those fats – like refined carbs. In the study, those who replaced fatty foods in their diet with healthier choices, like olive oil (a polyunsaturated fat) and whole grains did lower their heart disease risk up to 25%.
Per Adela Hruby, one of many scientists in this study, “We know that people don’t just drop 10% of their calories…and not replace them with other things. What they’re adding in to replace what they’re not eating is really important.”
The research, led by Dr. Frank Hu of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was remarkably in-depth, tracking the results of almost 130,000 participants of both genders over thirty years. Keeping an eye on dietary choices and any heart-related conditions, it was concluded that both women and men who ate carbohydrates instead of fatty foods were developing an almost equal risk of cardiovascular disease – a statistic missed in previous studies that had determined there was no advantage to decreasing the level of saturated fat in a meal plan.
So what may be the takeaway from this report? Improved senior heart health may be attained by not just decreasing the total amount of saturated fat in a dietary plan, but also by choosing healthier items instead of foods with lots of sugar or processed flour-based foods. These choices, when paired with a positive mindset, can do wonders for holistic health.
Golden Harmony is always available to plan and prepare heart-healthy meals that are not only nutritionally beneficial, but tasty, helping older adults lower their risk for heart attacks and disease. We’re dedicated to helping you enjoy your golden years to the fullest, through a variety of services. We are available to assist older adults with:
- Making appropriate dietary choices, as well as shopping for groceries so that fresh, nutritious foods are always on hand
- Medication reminders
- Carrying out physician-recommended activity programs
- Safe transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments as well as other outings
- And more
You can reach us at 919-426-7522 to learn more about our elder care in Raleigh, NC and the nearby areas.