Dr. Steve Chen, MD, Medical Director at Valens Medical suggests eating:
Pomegranate. Pomegranate contains natural occurring antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. The most potent of these are called punicalagins. Studies done at the University of Florida have shown that consumption of pomegranate extract increased blood antioxidant level by 35%. The major health benefit of pomegranate seems to be its role in reduction of heart disease which is the number one killer in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that the tanins in pomegranate is able to decrease LDL (bad cholesterol) and cholesterol plaque build up. One important aspect of pomegranate is that it is better to drink the juice rather than eating the fruit, as most of the strong nature antioxidants found in pomegranate are found in the skin which we don't consume. However, the juicing process guarantees that the antioxidants will be found in the juice.
Soy. Studies from University of Arkansas have shown that the elderly population does not take enough protein. Even by taking the RDA requirement, most elderly people are still in negative nitrogen balance. Proteins come in many different forms. We can obtain protein from animal, dairy, and plant sources. The health benefits of soy have been well documented. Soy isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein) have strong antioxidation effects. A meta-analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that soy isoflavones are effective in lowering LDL (the bad cholesterol). Most elderly people also suffer from chronic renal insufficiency. Soy has been shown to be a superior protein as it helps in delaying renal disease progression. Peptides from soy protein also have been shown to have nitric oxide effects which adds to its cardio-protective and antioxidant effects. So the elderly should consume more protein, particularly in the form of soy protein.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. They are essential because the human body cannot produce it, and therefore it must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and certain plant oils. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are ingested from the food and used by the human body. The FDA gave omega-3 fatty acids a qualified health claim that it can help lower risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to decrease plaque formation in a recent Japanese study. The easiest way to obtain omega-3 fatty acids is through a diet high in fatty fish.