Why the Elderly Should Eat More Soy

In addition to being delicious, soy has many different health benefits. This unique ingredient can be used in countless dishes to enhance the flavor and add a variety of key nutrients. Here are a few reasons for seniors to eat more soy-based products.

1. Provides an Excellent Source of Calcium

Eating a healthy and diverse diet that includes calcium-rich products such as soy milk is one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis. This pervasive condition weakens seniors’ bones, and the only way to prevent permanent damage is to strengthen them with calcium.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elderly care. Dayton families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Fortified soy milk often has as much as 300 milligrams of calcium per glass, which is nearly 25 percent of the recommended daily value for senior women over 65. 

2. Offers Protein from a Non-Animal Source

A lack of protein in the diet can cause many problems, including obesity, low energy levels, and joint pain. Soybeans naturally contain a substantial amount of protein, and the products made from these beans can be used to replace pig, cow, and chicken meat. One cup of firm tofu contains over 20 grams of protein, which makes it one of the best protein sources in the world. 

3. Contains Antioxidants

Antioxidants can be found in almost every type of soy product currently on the market, and it is integral to a healthy immune system. These substances seek out and destroy the free radicals that damage cells and cause cancer. They can also strengthen a senior’s organs and slow age-related cellular damage.

4. Prevents Prostate Cancer

The National Cancer Institute claims nearly 13 percent of all males will develop prostate cancer. One of the primary risk factors of this particular type of cancer is a hormonal imbalance caused by a lack of estrogen in the system. Not only does soy contain its own form of phytoestrogen, but it can also trigger the production of natural estrogen when consumed regularly. 

5. Enhances Blood Lipid Profile

Replacing cow’s milk with soy milk is a simple way for seniors to cut back on daily caloric intake while enhancing their blood lipid profile. Unlike many other dairy products, soy milk contains almost no cholesterol or unsaturated fat. Soy milk is especially beneficial for aging adults who have a family history of coronary heart disease. 

6. Boosts Cardiovascular Health

When seniors grow older and their blood vessels become weaker, the risk of blood hemorrhages increases significantly. Soy products contain omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and many other nutrients that strengthen blood vessels and increase flexibility. Some of these nutrients also bind with cholesterol cells and flush them out of the system. 

7. Suppresses Menopause Symptoms

A senior woman can experience the symptoms of menopause for decades. The huge drop in estrogen production can result in a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, a lack of appetite, and depression. The phytoestrogen found in soy is not a perfect replacement for the natural estrogen made by the human body, but it can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
Nutrient-rich soy can be very beneficial for seniors. Maintaining a healthy diet is important, as seniors can develop serious conditions that limit their mobility and the ability to complete daily tasks. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in home care Dayton, OH, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
If your loved one has a more serious age-related medical condition such as dementia, consider hiring a trained caregiver. Many families have no experience in specialized home care for seniors, which can make life a bit more challenging when an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The Dayton, OH, dementia care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. We designed a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which uses mentally engaging activities to slow the progression of dementia, and all of our live-in and respite caregivers are expertly trained in dementia care. Call [hca_phone] to learn more about our home care services, which can be customized to meet your loved one’s needs.