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These 7 easily-available Ayurvedic foods will make your ageing parents stronger

Ayurveda can be extremely healthy for your parents and contribute towards them maintaining their health. Just add these foods to their diet!
Make sure your parents stay fit and fine as they age with these foods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Sonakshi Kohli Updated: 13 Oct 2023, 16:56 pm IST
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Remember the time when you were a child and your parents fed you everything they deemed right for your health? Well, now that you’re a grown-up and your parents are ageing, the tables have turned and it’s time for you to do the same for them.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you must encourage your parents to eat healthily and stay active so that they can prevent the issues associated with growing old.

In fact, you should make sure that they’re consuming these seven Ayurveda-approved foods every day if you want to ensure they stay healthy:

1. Amla: Amal helps in reducing bad cholesterol, weight management, strengthening immunity, boosting digestion, managing or preventing diabetes, cough, asthma, osteoporosis, weakness, and fatigue. No wonder amla is the Ayurveda-endorsed super-berry that your parents (and even you) need in order to stay healthy.

A review published in the journal Clinical Education validates all these health benefits of amla and cites the powerful antioxidants in the vitamin-C-rich berry as the reason for its health miracles. It is recommended to have amla on an empty stomach every morning. So, you’ve definitely got to make your parents try this one for a few months to witness a drastic improvement in their health.

2. Ashwagandha: Old age certainly brings with it a lot of mental health problems as well. While some people face depression or anxiety due to the loss of control, weakening of the body, and signs of ageing, many others might experience memory problems such as dementia including the much-dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.

This Ayurvedic herb can go a long way in boosting your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

While you have to opt for professional medical aid if your parent is suffering from any of these mental health diseases, you can always take preventive measures by encouraging them to include the memory-boosting and brain-strengthening ashwagandha in their daily diet.

According to a study published in the Natural Medicine Journal, ashwagandha boosts cognitive function of the brain (focus, concentration, memory). Moreover, the glycowithanolides present in it mimic the body’s natural stress-reducing relaxation hormones, helps to reduce cortisol (stress hormone), and thus, can help prevent depression, anxiety, and chronic stress which your parents might be more prone to, owing to old age.

3. Ginseng: As per a study published in the journal Herbal Medicine, ginseng can help in diabetes management by stimulating glucose-induced insulin release from the pancreas. It can also boost brain health and prevent neurogenerative diseases in which the brain cells start getting destroyed by the body, leading to memory problems and other mental health issues, especially during old age.

Feeling tired? Then try some Ginseng. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Additionally, ginseng is also known to boost stamina, beat fatigue, and thus, it can help your parents stay active and feel more energetic throughout the day. Moreover, ginseng powder and teas are readily available in the market.

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4. Basil: Do you remember the days when your mum would make you consume tulsi for good health? Well, it’s your turn to do that to your parents now because consuming tulsi can improve immunity, regulate blood pressure, prevent/manage diabetes, strengthen the digestive system, and prevent respiratory diseases. Moreover, tulsi leaves (it’s not recommended to chew it) when gulped down or simply added to your tea can boost oral health as well by keeping infections and bacteria at bay. Hence, these holy leaves can boost your parents’ overall health.

5. Fennel seeds: Apart from improving digestion, regulating blood pressure, and reducing asthma symptoms, fennel seeds can help improve eyesight due to the high content of vitamin A present in them, according to a study conducted in 2000. Therefore, chewing on a handful of fennel seeds or simply boiling them in water and drinking the water can help your parents keep a host of age-related health problems at bay.

6. Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds can be soaked overnight, boiled thoroughly in water, and then the water can be consumed on an empty stomach for a variety of health benefits. According to a study published in the journal Nutrition, fenugreek seeds-infused water can help manage diabetes, promote heart health (by reducing oxidative stress on heart tissues), soothe muscle pain, maintain liver and kidney function, as well as reduce inflammation in the body.

Say yes to fenugreek or methi seeds to say goodbye to dry brittle hair! Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

7. Sesame seeds: One of the major health issues that probably haunts every person inching towards old age is bone problems such as joint pain, and weak bones that are more susceptible to fractures and injuries, and other bone-health issues such as arthritis.

However, the ancient science of Ayurveda recommends consuming sesame seeds or simply soaking them overnight in water and drinking the water in the morning to boost bone health. This is because these humble seeds are actually a powerhouse of calcium that is known to boost bone health. Plus, they’re also rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein that can boost one’s overall health.

With these seven Ayurvedic foods, you can ensure your parents stay healthy!

Sonakshi Kohli

Twenty kilos down and struggling to maintain the weight loss by preaching healthy eating, while eating unhealthy every now and then. ...Read More

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