While warm clothes, blankets, and an efficient heating system keep senior loved ones toasty, there are other ways to help them. If you provide care for a senior, serving them certain nutritious foods will help them fight the chill of the winter. A family practice will offer guidance on which foods to cook. To help you start creating a menu, here are a few foods to consider.

4 Healthy Foods Ideal for Older Adults This Winter

1. Bananas

Some of the softest fruits, these are easy for seniors with dentures or sensitive teeth to consume. They are packed with B vitamins and magnesium, which support adrenal and thyroid gland function. Both glands help the body stay warm when it’s cold. Bananas also provide a rich source of potassium for better arterial health.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is often served hot, but that’s not the only reason this meal warms the body. Oats and other complex carbohydrates contain fiber, which doesn’t get digested and results in extra energy. This, in turn, increases internal temperature.

Oatmeal is also a versatile, easy meal for seniors. For a healthy snack, top a bowl with nutrient-dense berries, flaxseed, bananas, and cinnamon.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Also sources of complex carbs, potatoes increase body temperature during digestion. Sweet potatoes provide extra nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, which improve eye health.

While they can be prepared in numerous ways, baked potatoes with soft interiors may work best for your older loved one.

4. Black Beans

Soups are warming, healthy meals that are easy for seniors to eat. Black bean soup boosts immunity due to the legume’s folate and iron content. The beans are also full of heat-generating fiber and contain high amounts of antioxidants, helping combat free radicals. 

If you need nutritional guidance for a senior loved one, contact Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Fulton County, NY. This family practice offers health services for the whole family and nursing home options. They create meal plans to support people with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Call (518) 725-8621 to schedule an appointment at this family practice or learn more about their nutritional counseling service online.