FOOD PRACTISES FOR OLD AGE

 

 

Foods that support aging include fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, and broccoli. Because different colors of fresh produce have different nutrients and beneficial properties, a person should eat a variety.

 Wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit, dried fruit, dried peas, beans and lentils are all excellent sources. Make sure you drink enough water to prevent constipation. Remember, most older people need 6–8 cups of fluid each day.

 Eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups : plenty of colourful vegetables, legumes/beans; fruit; grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre varieties; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; milk, yoghurt, cheese or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.

 Seniors should eat plenty of citrus fruits to obtain enough vitamin C in their day. Vitamin C is known to produce antibodies, which boost immunity and help older adults fight off infections. Some examples of vitamin C rich foods are oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, tangerines, grapefruit, and strawberries.

 Here is a dish specially prepared for and preferred by old age groups

 

Ambali is a finger millet-based fermented semi-liquid product of the south Indian states, of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The preparation method includes mixing finger millet flour with water to make a thick batter followed by cooking and fermentation.

 The fermentation process increases the concentration of thiamin, riboflavin, and tryptophan and the bioavailability of minerals.

Ambali is considered a geriatric food because of the presence of high calcium and low resistant starch in finger millet. Ambali is consumed as such, or with buttermilk for taste. Consumption of ambali in winter and rainy season should be avoided because it is very cold (endothermic) in nature. It consists of a sufficient amount of calcium and is a healthy drink for elderly people.