5 Compelling Reasons to Include Garlic in an Aging Adult’s Diet

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The Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians have used garlic as a medicine for nearly 4,000 years, and every year, researchers find new evidence proving its many health benefits. Here are just a few of garlic’s many health benefits. 

 

1. Boosts Bone Mass & Helps with Osteoarthritis

Several studies have suggested garlic can boost bone health in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Both onions and garlic have been found to ease osteoarthritis symptoms, while garlic has been shown to reduce the marker of estrogen deficiency and increase estrogen to slow bone loss. 

 

2. Fights Viral & Bacterial Infections

Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can fight infection. It’s believed that garlic can prevent food poisoning by killing many harmful bacteria. An important study also found that taking garlic every day can boost a senior’s immune system to prevent the flu and colds while reducing the severity of these illnesses by up to 70 percent. 

Seniors who need help preparing nutritious meals should consider professional in-home care. Elderly home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

3. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Many seniors have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. A unique compound called allicin in garlic offers a cardioprotective benefit that reduces blood pressure. 

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Livingston live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. 

 

4. Reduces Cholesterol

Many seniors take statin medication to control cholesterol. Garlic offers a natural way to lower HDL cholesterol without the risk of side effects, and it can be used along with medication to keep cholesterol under control. A recent study found eating garlic or taking a supplement every day can lower cholesterol by 10-15 percent. 

 

5. Protects against Alzheimer’s

Garlic may be one way to guard against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Garlic’s antioxidants work to fight free radicals in the body that contribute to cell aging and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other health problems. 

Eating garlic is just one of the many ways seniors can boost their health and enjoy a high quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our Care Managers today to learn about our customized in-home care plans.