8 snacks for the elderly who have problems chewing – loss of appetite

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Many elderly people often have problems with loss of appetite and chewing. We recommend snacks to supplement the main meals. They are easy to find and delicious!

Snacks are another aid for proper nutrition for the elderly. This is because the elderly may not receive enough nutrients from their main meals. Most of them often encounter health problems and less chewing, which can lead to loss of appetite. Therefore, snacks that are delicious, soft, easy to chew and fine are another stimulant for the elderly to want more food, adding a variety of nutrients for good health and reducing wear and tear.

Snacks for seniors

Blended Beans

It may consist of mung beans, red beans and soybeans, sweetened with honey, blended together to make it easy to chew. Most importantly, you must avoid desserts that are too sweet and too oily, such as desserts made from coconut milk, especially for the elderly who have diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood fat. It is very suitable for the elderly because this menu is similar to a smoothie, which is liquid and easy to eat. Consuming grains will help increase protein in the body, which is an essential nutrient that is suitable and helps with digestion and better excretion.

Seasonal fruits

Fruits are one of the first choices for snacks for the elderly. Importantly, they are a source of many vitamins and minerals. Fruits that are recommended for snacks for the elderly should be cut into small pieces so that they are easier for the elderly to chew.

  • Apples contain just the right amount of natural sugar and the flesh is not too hard to chew. They are suitable for diabetics as they can help control blood sugar levels.
  • Avocado is considered a superfood for health that everyone should know well. The flesh is quite soft, contains many vitamins and minerals, and also contains lutein, which helps with vision very well.

Papaya, ripe bananas, and oranges are also recommended, which are rich in vitamins. You should eat them at least 1-2 times a day, 6-8 bite-sized pieces each time. For the elderly who are obese or diabetic, it is recommended to avoid very sweet fruits such as durian, longan, and jackfruit.

Steamed pumpkin

In orange-yellow vegetables like pumpkin, there is beta-carotene that helps nourish the eyes, has antioxidants, moisturizes the skin, helps reduce the risk of cancer, low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, low in energy, making it a snack suitable for the elderly, helping with the digestive system. In addition to steamed pumpkin, caregivers can switch to steamed bananas, steamed sweet potatoes or steamed taro, which are equally beneficial.

yoghurt

Another snack option for the elderly is easily available at convenience stores. It is recommended to choose plain yogurt , which caregivers can add flavor with fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, or granola to add a new twist to each serving. Yogurt is easier to digest in the digestive system than milk because yogurt is rich in good bacteria that help absorb nutrients. It also helps the digestive system, relieves flatulence or constipation, which are common in the elderly. It is also high in calcium, ยูฟ่าเบท which helps strengthen bones.

Ready-to-drink cereal

Giving the elderly a hot beverage with various grains such as black sesame, oatmeal, almonds, rice bran, and various nuts will help them feel full and get the necessary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals for the body. It is best to choose a less sweet type.

Cookies or crackers

For cookies, it is recommended to have fruit or cookies mixed with oats and various grains. For crackers, the elderly can eat them with jam and fruits to enhance the taste. However, it is recommended to choose jams that are not too sweet or sugar-free.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a high-fiber snack that keeps you full for a long time. It contains the same antioxidants as fresh corn and other fresh fruits, which is “Polyphenal.” We do not recommend popcorn with various flavors, such as sweet, salty, or caramel, as they contain a lot of sodium and sugar, which have negative effects on the body.

bean

For the elderly who do not have problems chewing, eating various types of dried nuts as a snack can help improve health because nuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein and contain antioxidants that help the brain and immune system work efficiently. In addition, nuts are high in magnesium and potassium, which play an important role in heart function.

However, to make snacks a healthy menu and to fill in the missing nutrients from the main menu, it is important to give importance and know how to select snack ingredients that are beneficial to the elderly, taking into account the appropriate nutrients that the elderly should receive, without exceeding the appropriate amount, including cleanliness and safety as the main principles for the good health of the elderly to be strong and reduce wear and tear.