5 Reasons to Add Garlic to a Senior’s Diet

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Reasons to Add Garlic to a Jefferson, CO - Senior's Diet - lakewood home care

The Chinese, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Babylonians 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 a just a few of garlic’s many health benefits, presented by a leader in Lakewood Home Care.

1. It may boost bone mass and help with osteoarthritis

Several studies have suggested that garlic can improve bone health in post-menopausal 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. It fights viral and bacterial infections

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

3. It can help lower 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 to reduce blood pressure.

4. It lowers 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 that eating garlic or taking a supplement every day can lower cholesterol by 10-15 percent.

5. It may protect 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.

Interested in learning more about senior health? Turn to Home Care Assistance. We use our proprietary Balanced Care Method to promote mental, physical, and spiritual wellness and include it in all of our care services, including hourly, live-in, stroke, and Alzheimer’s care in Jefferson County. For more information, please call (303) 987-5992 and speak with a dedicated Care Manager today.

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