Q – I try to make sure I always have healthy snacks on hand for the seniors that I care for. As a caregiver, I feel that it’s most important to make choices that benefit the big picture, and that’s something I consider even with food. Any suggestions of less typical snack items that I might want to try that can satisfy hunger and have health benefits?

A – Sunflower seeds are one extremely healthy snack idea that you might not have considered. They can help curb hunger, and they are so rich in nutrients they actually meet the daily nutritional requirements for many essential vitamins.  They’re also crunchy, so they can be very satisfying to seniors and aren’t likely to be a snack that will have seniors searching for something else! Here are some of the specific health benefits of sunflower seeds:

• The Vitamin E contained in sunflower seeds helps with cardiovascular health and works as an anti-inflammatory

• Phytosterols in sunflower seeds help lower cholesterol and ensure it remains under control, which is especially important as many seniors struggle with their cholesterol levels later in life

• Magnesium can help reduce stress, blood pressure, and generally works to reduce tension in the body

• Selenium helps prevent cancer and works as a natural detoxifier

Via: WHFoods http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=57#healthbenefits

Post #3 – Sunflower Seeds: Healthy Snack You Might not Have Considered

Choosing healthy snacks is not always an easy choice for seniors, particularly when the options are some bland food item or something sweet, sugary and satisfying to the taste buds. But not all healthy snack food options are tasteless, and the health benefits can make them an extremely good choice when up against junk food!

Sunflower seeds are one healthy snack that many seniors might overlook, but they can be extremely satisfying, and the health benefits alone make them more than a worthwhile option; they meet many of your daily requirements for vitamins and nutrients and can help you lead a longer healthier life with the following overall benefits:

• The Vitamin E contained in sunflower seeds helps with cardiovascular health and works as an anti-inflammatory

• Phytosterols in sunflower seeds help lower cholesterol and ensure it remains under control, which is especially important as many seniors struggle with their cholesterol levels later in life

• Magnesium can help reduce stress, blood pressure, and generally works to reduce tension in the body

• Selenium helps prevent cancer and works as a natural detoxifier

Via: WHFoods

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.