Are there any food recommendations you would give to a vegetarian senior citizen?
Nutrition in older adults is more crucial than ever in their life span, and vegetarians and vegans need to supply some nutrients with an excess of plant-based foods. One of the essential needs of a healthy body is protein, and a senior needs more protein than anybody else, especially if they suffer from an illness.
Chickpeas, black-eyed beans, kidney beans, lentils, quinoa, wild rice, tofu, nuts, seeds, nut butter, and soy products can be substituted for milk and yogurt. If you’re not vegan, you can get your protein from eggs and dairy products. Other critical nutrients for seniors are calcium and vitamin D.
Seniors need more than younger people. So, make sure you have plenty of sources like calcium-fortified cereals and soya milk, almond milk, pitta bread, chapatti, and white bread in your diet. Vitamin D is supplemented primarily by exposure to sunlight, but seniors may be less exposed to it.
Eggs and fish are other sources, but other sources can be as follows if you are not taking them; Fortified spreads, mushrooms, breakfast cereals, and dairy alternatives. It is advised to take supplementary doses of vitamin D on a routine basis.
Animal-based foods mainly supplement vitamin B12. Plant-based sources are yeast extracts, soy yogurts, fortified breakfast cereals, and non-dairy milk. Taking supplements is also recommended.
Another nutrient that a vegetarian must be aware of is iron. Plant-based sources of iron are less absorbed than animal-based sources. Consuming vitamin C from these sources solves this problem with absorption. Iron sources include seeds, pulses, dried fruits, whole grains, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach.