Back in the day, when your mother told you to eat your broccoli, you might have hidden it in your napkin or fed it to the family dog, but it turns out Mom was right. Of course, vegetables are always a healthy choice, but a new study shows that broccoli and other greens do even more than we thought when it comes to nutrition and longevity in seniors.

While many joke about finding the fountain of youth, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine may have found some evidence that it has been right in front of us all along.

As we get older, many of us deal with the same health issues. In addition to the wrinkles and graying hair, metabolism slows down, causing weight issues to creep up. Almost all older adults wear corrective lenses to correct eyesight, and many suffer from glaucoma or cataracts. Others develop problems with Blood Sugar Levels, which can lead to a number of related health issues.

Researchers think they may have found a substance that helps prevent some of these aging issues. After infusing laboratory mice with a substance found in broccoli, cucumbers, edamame, cabbage, and avocados, they noticed a difference on a cellular level. While the mice continued to age over time, their cells still behaved as if they were younger, when compared to mice that weren’t given the ingredient found in Green Vegetables.

The common denominator in these foods is a substance called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). The mice who received a regular infusion of this substance showed improvements in metabolism, blood sugar levels, and eyesight. Healthier cells that behave like younger cells may also have the ability to fight off diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s and, in the end, help people to live longer.

The benefits from NMN are not just for seniors though. All generations can boost cell health and stop part of the aging process by finding creative ways to eat more green vegetables. For those who don’t enjoy them or can’t eat them raw, including them in soups and smoothies is a great way to get more broccoli, avocado, cabbage, and edamame into the diet.

Obtaining senior care assistance from a home health aide from a homecare provider like David York Agency can be a great first step toward improving the nutrition of your elderly loved one. Whether you simply need someone to help with grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals, or you need a full-time home healthcare aide, DYA can provide the personalized care your family needs.

For more information about our qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best to provide you and your loved one with the assistance you need.

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