We’ve all heard that a healthy diet is one that is low in fats, which may lead you to believe that all fats are bad. As a family caregiver to an older adult, maybe you’re very careful about the fat in the senior’s diet. But, in truth, the human body needs some fats to be healthy. The body uses fat as fuel. It also helps with skin and hair health. Many people are confused about whether a healthy diet includes fats, which kinds of fats are okay, and whether there are fatty foods that are healthy.
Which Fats Are Okay?
There are lots of different kinds of fat. Some of them are certainly better than others. The two fats that are considered the worst are:
Trans Fat: Most trans fat is man-made from oils. Manufacturers use it to make food stay fresh longer. It reduces the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in the body and raises LDL (bad) cholesterol. Eating too much trans fat can lead to cardiovascular disease. Trans fats are considered the worst kind of fat and should be avoided.
Saturated Fat: Saturated fat comes mostly from animal products, like meat and dairy. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and may lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A healthy diet contains no more than 6 percent saturated fat.
Some healthier kinds of fat are:
Monounsaturated fatty acids: This kind of fat can help lower cholesterol levels and may improve insulin levels. It could also assist in keeping blood sugar levels under control.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fat comes from plant-based oils. It may also improve cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish are a good source of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s have been linked to a reduction in the risk of coronary artery disease.
Healthy High-Fat Foods
There are several foods that contain healthier forms of fat or are otherwise nutritious. Including them in your aging relative’s diet may improve their overall health. Some healthy high-fat foods are:
Avocado
Chia seeds
Eggs
Dark chocolate
Fatty fish
Nuts
Olives and olive oil
Tofu
Reading nutrition labels is the best way to determine if a food contains healthy fat or if the nutritional benefits of the food outweigh the fat content. Home care providers can drive your aging relative to the grocery store and assist them with making healthier choices. Home care providers can read the small print. Home care providers can also prepare healthy meals for older adults if they are unable or unwilling to cook for themselves.
If you or an aging loved one are considering homecare in Cottonwood Heights, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
