As and when a person grows old, their cells age and start to wear out. Our beautiful pearls are no exception. The 32 sets of teeth often start falling out Although adults might lose their permanent teeth at any age, major incidences of partial and total tooth loss tend to occur in those 50 years and older. But do we need to compromise on our diet and taste buds? Well, not really, this article throws light on the 10 best healthy food for the elderly with no teeth
So, grab a notepad and a pen and write down these food options that have been mentioned below
1. Yogurt
One of the most common and most loved dairy products, yogurt, is a great food option for those without teeth. Produced by fermenting milk by good bacteria, yogurt is one of the healthiest foods. Yogurt is a terrific source of high-quality calories, protein, and healthy fat. It not only improves gut health but also provides all the essential nutrients required to sustain life. What’s even better is the wide variety of flavors that are available! One can choose from natural to synthetic flavors not compromising on the taste buds and still maintaining their health.
2. Oatmeal
The modest breakfast that is quite underrated is packed with the goodness of several essential nutrients. Prepared with oats and milk, this food option is great for our elderly with no teeth as properly cooked oatmeal is soft enough to be swallowed without chewing.
The primary benefit of oatmeal is that it has been shown to reduce harmful (LDL) cholesterol. According to studies, eating oats is associated with a 7% reduction in LDL cholesterol on average. Oatmeal is a straightforward heart-smart start
3. Scrambled Eggs
There are numerous reasons why eggs should be a staple of your diet, but the one that tops the many reasons is the fact that it takes little to no time to prepare and is loaded with nutrients! Scrambled eggs are soft and melt in the mouth. When combined with cheese, it only gets delicious and nutritious. Add soft veggies like mushrooms or cottage cheese to make it more filling. It is the perfect food for the elderly with no teeth.
4. Mashed egg sandwich with mayonnaise
As mentioned earlier, eggs are an excellent food option for those without teeth, another variation of an egg recipe is mashing the hard-boiled egg and combining it with a generous amount of mayonnaise. One can eat this mixture by itself or sandwich it between two soft slices of bread. This is not only a filling option but quite a scrumptious one!
5. Slow cooked Meats
Seniors do not need to give up on their favorite meat if they have lost their teeth. Cooking meat in a slow cooker for a longer time makes it tender and easier to eat. One can even enjoy a nutritious stew or soup made from their favorite choice of meat. The options are endless. The addition of herbs and veggies makes it even healthier.
6. Mashed Potatoes
When the side dish becomes the main dish! Mashed potatoes require no chewing at all and melt as soon as you put them in your mouth. If you include the skins and use less cream in this traditional side dish, it is actually pretty healthy. Unexpectedly, a dish made of potatoes, potato skins, and butter contains all the vitamins and minerals that are needed to sustain a healthy life.
7. Baked Fish
Fish that has been baked or simmered properly comes out to be so tender that it will crumble when your elderly loved one consumes it. Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily obtained from eating fish. These necessary nutrients maintain the health of our hearts and brain.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA are two omega-3 fatty acids present in fish (docosahexaenoic acid). It is important that we consume fish as our bodies lack the system to produce this fatty acid. The ones who lack teeth should not miss this healthy food option. Slow cooking Salmon, trout, sardines, herring, canned mackerel, canned light tuna, and oysters are a few good options.
8. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
For anyone who’s craving something sweet but cannot consume it due to a lack of teeth, there’s always some jelly and peanut butter! Combine the two and eat it with bread without the crust! This is not recommended for the elderly having high blood sugar levels.
PB&J sandwiches are simple to consume for the elderly without teeth. Make a healthful and easily digestible sandwich by using whole wheat bread, jelly or jam without sugar, and peanut butter without nuts.
9. Steamed Veggies
A platter full of colorful vegetables is just what one needs to have a healthy life. But when there’s difficulty in chewing, one can seldom think of digging into raw vegetables. Hence streaming veggies is a good option. Quick steam doesn’t rob the nutrients of the veggies and also makes them softer thereby making them easier to eat. This is a great way for seniors without teeth to get nutrients, fiber, and tasty meals.
10. Beans
Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and if you cook them for a long enough time, they fully soften. They can be used in a variety of cuisines, making it a versatile dish. Beans are a nutritious addition to the diet since they provide protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants. It also promotes a healthy gut and increases the red blood cell count.
11. Smoothies
Running out of time and wanting a quick, super healthy food that can be eaten by our elderly? Smoothies are the answer! Blend milk of your choice with any fruit you like or combine your favorite veggies and viola you are good to go! Smoothies are a great option over soda that contains a decent amount of calories, fiber, and nutrients. There are many flavor combinations available, which can prevent seniors from becoming bored with one type of smoothie.
Conclusion
Losing teeth with age is a natural process and while teeth are extremely important, they should not be the ones holding our dear elderly back from exploring a wide variety of food. Soups may get boring with time and also it is extremely important that one consumes solid food. These 12 healthy, wholesome, and delicious food options mentioned above can be modified or personalized from person to person. We are sure the elderly who have lost their teeth would love and consume these meals wholeheartedly!
Check out the ultimate diet for seniors and learn how to live a long and happy life.
Note from the author: Kindly check in with your healthcare professional if you have any allergies or any reaction that might take place with your ongoing medication before consuming any of the food mentioned above.
