Old people are susceptible to various cardiovascular diseases. If they want to take care of their hearts, they should eat more heart-protective foods. Which foods specifically have heart-protective effects? Let's take a look together!
Heart-protective foods for the elderly:
1. Almonds
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that almonds not only contain essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to the heart, but also contain vitamin E and arginine, which can prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Heart-protective eating method: Almonds are high in calories, so the total intake should be controlled. It is best to grind them into powder with a grinder, mix them into dishes, or sprinkle them on rice to fully absorb the nutrients in almonds.
2. Ginseng
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that qi-tonifying medicines can protect the myocardium, enhance heart function, and be helpful for controlling hypertension.
Heart-protective eating method: Unless the constitution is very weak, improper qi-tonifying will only have a counterproductive effect and worsen the condition.
Especially for those who have symptoms of dry mouth and tongue, they are not suitable for using ginseng.
Only people with stable blood pressure can use ginseng. It is not recommended to take large amounts of it when blood pressure is unstable or just after bleeding.
It is best to let a physician determine the constitution and start with a small amount.
3. Chinese angelica
Chinese angelica, which is rich in B vitamins and minerals, has the effect of nourishing blood. It has the function of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine, and is also one of the drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Heart-protective eating method: It is best to take it under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine physician.
Chinese angelica is warm in nature and is not suitable for people with hot and dry constitution. People with poor gastrointestinal function may experience diarrhea after consuming it.
4. Soybeans
Soybeans contain various essential amino acids, most of which are unsaturated fatty acids, which can promote the metabolism of fat and cholesterol in the body.
Heart-protective eating method: Soak the soybeans in hot water for at least 4 hours and then cook them in fresh water.
Nutritionists believe that this can dissolve the polysaccharides in soybeans that are prone to gas production and reduce bloating.
Preventive measures for the elderly:
1. Falls
Globally, falls are the leading cause of accidental injuries in the elderly.
Data shows that among the elderly over 60 years old in China, there are 25 million injuries caused by falls every year.
Falls can not only cause serious injuries such as brain damage and fractures, but also lead to "fear of falling" and cause great psychological trauma to the elderly.
2. Stroke
According to statistics, there were 16 million stroke patients worldwide in 2008, and one-third of them died.
The situation in China is even more severe. It has the highest stroke mortality rate in the world, with about 1.5 million deaths each year.
In the early stage of a stroke, most patients will suddenly experience facial and limb paralysis or weakness, unclear speech, drooling, blurred vision, drowsiness, or difficulty walking.
3. Cognitive impairment
As people age, their brains gradually shrink and they are prone to forgetfulness.
However, if the situation is particularly severe, such as repeatedly forgetting things or even being unable to distinguish between day and night, family members should be aware that the elderly may have cognitive impairment.
4. Dizziness
Elderly people often experience dizziness and headaches as they age.
Surveys have found that the incidence of dizziness in people over 65 years old is 57% for women and 39% for men. There are many causes of dizziness, and many diseases have dizziness as a symptom;
For example, insufficient blood supply to the brain, hypoxia, cervical spondylosis, and even tumors can cause dizziness. Some elderly people experience dizziness as a side effect of antihypertensive drugs.
