Dt Shalu Jain

*Nutrition related problems among The Elderly:*
Many chronic diseases and conditions such as Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Osteoporosis and malnutrition influence the dietary intake and nutritional status of the elderly. Various factors related to the disease such as Anorexia, increased losses, modified dietary and medication often make it difficult to achieve adequate nutrient intake.
*Diet and Feeding pattern:*
Food for the elderly should be colourful, attractive and tasty and it should be served in pleasant surroundings so as to arouse their appetite and interest in the food. The diet should be soft, well cooked and should include foods such as milk and milk products, soft cooked vegetables, grated salad, whole grains, pulses, fruit juices, soft fruits like banana or stewed fruits.

YOU ARE DIABETIC and WANT TO EAT FRUITS ?
Here is good news for people who are having diabetes.Yes! You can eat fruit rather all fruits, only thing you have to keep in mind is its portion size.
You can eat one serving / two serving of fruit depending on your sugar level.
You have to take 15 gms of carbohydrates from one serving of fruit.
Whole fruit like apple, orange, guava, pear or mausami of medium size ( approximately 150 gm) can be taken in one serving.1 cup watermelon, 1 cup pomegranate, 1/2 cup muskmelon, 1/2 cup pineapple, 12 medium size pcs papaya, 15 grapes, 6-8 litchi, 1/2 banana or 1 slice mango can be taken in diabetes.
Pl note that one fruit at one go. Don't mix the fruit in one serving.

:TIPS FOR HEALTHY COOKING:
The objective of cooking food,as we all are aware is not only to improve the digestibility of food but also to develop and enhance the flavour, texture and appearance, making the food more palatable. Along with these desirable changes, cooking invariably leads to some loss of nutrients. These losses can be minimised by keeping the following tips in mind:-
1-Wash the vegetables before cutting, and not after.
2-Most of the nutrients are just beneath the skin of the vegetables.Peel fruits and vegetables thinly.
3-Cut vegetables just before cooking and serving. Cut them into big pieces as smaller the surface area is, lesser is the nutrients' loss.
4-Avoid soaking of cut vegetables. Soaking destroys vitamins and minerals.
5-Do not discard soaking water of pulses and rice and use the same water for cooking also.
6-Always cook food in minimum amount of water.
7-Use pressure cooker for cooking as it shortens cooking time and nutrients are better retained.
8-Never use baking soda during cooking as it leads to loss of vitamins.
9-Microwaves can be used as they take less time for cooking and so there is maximum retention of nutrients.
10-Always cook the food covered.
These simple tips can make food more nutritious and healthy.

FOOD TO BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM

We are all trying to stay as healthy as possible especially right now and so many of us are eating at home.

Following are 10 best vegetarian food items that you may eat to boost your immunity health. These foods nourish the body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

1- CITRUS FRUITS : Almost all citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, lemon etc are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of WBC (white blood cells) which are key to fighting infections. Since our body neither produces nor stores vitamin C, daily doses of it are needed for good health.

2 - RED BELL PEPPER : It contains twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits.

3 - BROCCOLl : It is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. It is healthiest when cooked as little as possible.

4 - SPINACH : It should also be cooked very little so that it retains its nutrients.

5 - PAPAYA : It is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B, Potassium, Folate and antioxidants.

6 - GREEN TEA : It is steamed not fermented and treats various diseases.

7 - YOGURT : It is a good source of vitamin D which helps to regulate the immune system.

8 - ALMONDS : They are rich in vitamin E which is key to a healthy immune system.

9 - GINGER : It helps to cure sore throat, nausea, chronic pain and has cholesterol lowering properties.

10- TURMERIC : Its immune health benefits outweigh a large number of other medications and prescriptions.