Do you know what are the disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors? In general, having a healthy and specific diet is very important for all people, whether in childhood, youth or old age, and can guarantee your physical and mental health. With increasing age and changing physical condition, adhering to a proper diet such as High Protein Soft Foods for Elderly and paying attention to harmful foods for the elderly has become more important. As a result, you should know which foods are prohibited for the elderly or which foods can be beneficial for your elderly?
Considering the importance of paying attention to useful and harmful foods for the elderly, we have prepared this article from humanhealthmag for you to provide you with sufficient information about the types of harmful and prohibited foods for the elderly such as street foods or meals on wheels.
What Is Meant By Meals On Wheels?
Before talking about meals on wheels, it is better to first get acquainted with meals on wheels. These foods contain a lot of fat and oil. For example, the energy that is transferred to a person by eating a double or two-story hamburger is enough for a day. In fact, this food has 2,000 to 2,200 calories, and frequent and excessive consumption of this type of high-calorie fast food causes obesity. We know that obesity is the basis for many diseases, including diabetes.
We have witnessed a change in lifestyle in the past 2-3 decades. This change in lifestyle has also been caused by specific time conditions. Following this change, people have become two groups in terms of physical and mental health; one group is children who do not have good and sufficient growth, and the other group is people who are obese. Obesity is also a disease in itself, in fact, both ends of the age curve of our society are not in good physical condition, so we are forced to address both the malnutrition of thinness and underweight, and to treat malnutrition, overeating, overweight and obesity, and other metabolic diseases in the elderly.
Dangers of Meals on Wheels for Seniors
The disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors are many. Eating too much of the wrong foods can cause inflammation and build up toxins in the body. Avoiding them is very important to prevent chronic diseases. Obesity is currently one of the biggest public health problems in modern times and is linked to eating habits and the consumption of processed foods. Meals on wheels and processed foods are full of sugar, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, which increase fat in older adults.
In addition, these types of foods contain chemical products such as monosodium glutamate and corn syrup, which contribute to weight gain and obesity in older adults. While organic foods help us feel good, meals on wheels or so-called street foods have a negative impact on our health. Regular consumption of these foods can cause depression, anxiety, and anger in older adults.
Disadvantages Of Meals On Wheels for Seniors
The disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors are well known. This type of food has many disadvantages; one of the disadvantages of these foods is the fat and cheese that are placed as ingredients inside these types of foods. Unfortunately, fast foods and meals on wheels are fried in oils that have been heated several times. These same oils are carcinogenic. Here are some other disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors:
- Contributing to obesity: Street food is often made with refined wheat flour without fiber. They are also made with cheap, processed or high-fat ingredients to keep costs low. Studies have shown that street foods like sandwiches or fried chicken are significantly associated with weight gain and body mass index (BMI).
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: A recent study that evaluated the main ingredients of street foods found that they were high in trans fat and sodium and poor in potassium. A diet high in sodium, trans fat and fiber has been significantly associated with the occurrence of heart diseases such as high blood pressure. A 2021 study found that regular consumers of street food are at risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and other heart diseases, along with weight gain.
- Increase in foodborne illnesses: Street food is at risk of contamination with common pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses. Poor hygiene practices and unsafe sources of raw materials are the main reasons for contamination. Another study also found that only 4.7% of vendors refrigerated leftover food before serving. Most vendors sell food in uncovered trays.
- Contains heavy metals: Spices and sauces used in street food preparation may also be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Points About Disadvantages Of Meals On Wheels for Seniors
Despite the disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors, these foods have now become an important part of a region’s cultural identity. While street food should not be avoided completely, it is recommended to limit its consumption. Regular consumption of street food can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, and can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses in older adults.
If you are considering eating street food, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For example, you should choose vendors who are hygienic. If they wear gloves, cover all their containers, and cover the food they have prepared, you can eat from them. Also, try to choose options that are freshly prepared. You can ask for food, such as sandwiches, to be prepared in front of you. Avoid eating street food during the rainy season. Most locals avoid eating street food during the monsoon season because of the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we talked about the disadvantages of meals on wheels for seniors. When people enter the old age period, they should pay more attention to their lifestyle and the food they consume. Aging is associated with various diseases and a decrease in physical ability, so the best way to have a healthy and low-risk life is to avoid consuming prohibited and harmful foods during old age. As a result, elderly people should avoid consuming excessive street food and meals on wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Meals on Wheels Affect the Body’s PH?
One of the big dangers of fast foods is that they do not follow the principles of food composition. As a result, the body cannot burn the nutrients it receives, leading to acidification of the blood, which is a health risk. By creating an imbalance in the body’s pH, these foods increase toxins in the blood, leading to various diseases associated with inflammation. In addition, they also affect metabolism, leading to weight gain.
How Do Meals on Wheels Affect the Heart Health of Older Adults?
The cardiovascular system of older adults can suffer from the dangers of meals on wheels. These products contain ingredients that are harmful to the heart and circulation. Most refined products contain saturated fats and excess sodium, which can cause high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Eating these types of foods can cause atherosclerosis or heart attacks.