When assisted living food menus incorporate memory-boosting superfoods, it helps improve residents’ brain health and protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Superfood compounds are available as nutritional supplements. However, older adults are better off consuming the whole foods than taking pills, as superfoods in their natural forms are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
As you plan your assisted living food menus, consider adding more of these nutritious – and delicious – memory-boosting superfoods.
Vegetables & Leafy Greens
Studies show that consuming leafy greens, like spinach and turnip greens, can have a proactive effect on brain health. Broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies are also considered to be memory-friendly superfoods. But researchers say that increasing the intake of any vegetables can slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults.
Cold-Water Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, halibut, tuna and other cold-water fish, may help protect against memory decline. More research is needed, but serving more of these fish varieties in your senior care center food menus could be beneficial. Beans, flax seeds, and some types of grains and nuts are other superfoods with high levels of omega-3.
Coffee, Chocolate and Spices
Daily caffeine intake has been linked to increasing memory capacity and may even help reverse some memory impairments – so, that makes antioxidant-rich coffee a perfect option for your food menus. The antioxidants and compounds in coffee may also work to improve cognitive function. Chocolate and spices like turmeric, nutmeg and cinnamon have been shown to provide a similar brain health boost.
Berries & Dark-Skinned Fruits
Researchers have also discovered some evidence that fruits packed with antioxidants might help with cognitive function in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and conditions involving dementia. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and dark-skinned fruits like cherries and plums are excellent memory-boosting superfoods to use in assisted living recipe ideas for seniors.
Healthy Oils
Scientists have found that using healthy oils in meals for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease might offer a memory-boosting effect. Further research is necessary, but coconut oil and olive oil contain unique compounds that might help protect senior brain health.
Are you looking for an easier way to plan dietitian-approved assisted living food menus? The Grove Menus meal planning software system is a cost-effective solution for meeting the dietary needs of your senior residents through delicious, easy-to-make recipes.
The Grove Menus user-friendly suite of meal planning tools can help you with everything from incorporating memory-boosting superfoods and other nutritional powerhouse ingredients to tracking inventory, creating food prep lists and keeping your budget in check. For a complimentary, no-pressure demonstration of our software system for assisted living food menus and planning, contact us today.