A host of recent studies demonstrates how powerful these plant metabolites can be for reducing inflammation, the underlying cause of arthritis and a variety of other ills that commonly plague the elderly.

Fortunately, it’s easy to add flavonoids into menus for seniors, and tasty to boot!

What Are Flavonoids and How Do They Work?

Flavonoids are a type of phytochemical that occurs naturally in brightly colored fruits and vegetables as well as legumes.

These chemical compounds leverage the body’s natural mechanisms of protection against inflammation-causing free radicals. When free radicals attach to the body’s tissues, the resulting inflammation can lead to osteoarthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

By inhibiting the body’s production of free radicals, flavonoids act as a natural protectant against chronic illness and disease. They have powerful antioxidant properties and are believed to inhibit allergies and viruses as well.

Best of all, they’re appetizing and full of flavor.

Improving the Senior Diet to Reduce Inflammation

Dietitians and nutrition scientists recommend using as many non-pharmacological methods as possible to improve our health. For older patients, who often cannot tolerate prescription medications, this becomes even more important.

When planning menus for seniors, especially those in assisted living scenarios, beneficial enzymes and nutrients can be increased simply by using the right combination of ingredients.

Because flavonoids and other biologically beneficial nutrients are highly sensitive to heat and extended storage, it’s important to incorporate them whole and fresh into your menus for seniors. Otherwise, you run the risk of cooking away all the benefits.

Adding Flavonoid-Rich Foods to Your Food Menu Program

It’s easy to spot the flavonoid-rich foods; they’re the ones with the rich, vibrant colors.

Blueberries, plums, cherries, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes and turnip greens are all excellent sources. Flavonoids can also be found – albeit in smaller concentrations – in garbanzo beans, tree nuts, soy, quinoa and lettuce.

In the beverage category, black and green tea are also excellent sources, both of which are popular with many seniors. Likewise, grape juice is another beverage rich in phytonutrients.

The Grove Menus program provides a simple and effective way to plan your assisted living or nursing home menus in a way that incorporates dietitian-approved recipes and a balanced, healthy diet.

Our menu planning solutions are designed to take the guesswork out of menu planning, saving you time and money. All of our recipes are developed specifically for the senior palate and tested extensively for flavor and appeal. Contact us today to learn more about how Grove Menus can help you improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of your menus for seniors in assisted living.

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We have all experienced inflammation in response to a cut or injury. When a cell gets injured it releases a chemical signal and we see the response in the form of redness, heat, swelling, and pain. What is interesting and unfortunate is that inflammation happens inside of us when there is injury to the blood vessels. When the endothelium (inner lining of the blood vessels) is chronically inflamed it is very problematic.  The endothelium regulates how well the vessels dilate and constrict, how well the blood clots, fluid’s balance, and whether or not substances stick to its surfaces – like cholesterol. When inflammation is an immune response, it is never “shut off” and there can be permanent damage. It is the underlying cause of many age-related diseases.

Many things cause chronic inflammation; the scariest comes from cytokines, which are signaling molecules that cause inflammation. Cytokines are produced when there is abdominal or visceral fat surrounding vital organs (vs subcutaneous fat – fatty tissues lying directly under the skin). As someone’s girth grows, their number of cytokines increases as well as their potential for damage.

It all sounds pretty ominous – however we have some control over it. The foods we choose to eat, or not to eat affect inflammation. Currently, the ‘Western’ type diet is high in red meat, processed meats and foods, sweets, fried foods, saturated and trans fats, and refined grains. These, of course,  lead to the increased visceral fat, cytokines, and chronic inflammation. To reduce it, we must eat more fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, nuts, olive oil and whole grains (Mediterranean Diet). Additionally, high fiber carbohydrates show an inverse association with inflammation. So even though you can’t stub your toe and help it by eating an apple, you should try anyway!

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