As we age, changes in our bodies make the formerly simple task of nourishment more of a challenge. Goat dairy products, including goat milk, have special properties that can help meet these needs to provide elderly adults with their daily nutritional requirements.
Elderly nutrition is a topic of concern for many senior adults and their caretakers. Naturally occurring changes in our bodies create challenges for adequate nutrient intake and absorption as we age. Dairy products, and goat milk, in particular, have properties that can help meet these challenges to reduce the prospect of inadequate nutrition for the elderly.
Goat milk is high in calcium, protein, beneficial fats, and many vitamins and minerals. But, the nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products for meeting senior nutritional challenges.
Some of the special nutritional needs of the elderly are a result of diminished physical sensations. In particular, many elderly persons report that they no longer feel hungry or thirsty. When living alone, these people often "forget" to eat or drink, as they don't experience the normal sensations of hunger and thirst. And, when they do eat, it is often minimal amounts, because the sense of taste has also changed. Thus, with few feelings of hunger or thirst, and little pleasure in the taste of food, there is hardly any physical incentive to eat or drink. Because of this, the small amounts of food or drink that are ingested need to have a big nutritional impact.
Goat milk and goat dairy products are higher in protein, fat, calcium and some vitamins than cow's milk. Goat milk and soft dairy products, like yogurt and sour cream, can be easily blended with foods, such as fruits, soups and stews, and cooked vegetables to significantly increase the calorie and protein content.
Goat milk is a nutritional powerhouse, and can help provide needed hydration as well as nutrients. Milk and soft dairy products have a mild taste, and can be eaten plain or flavored in a wide variety of ways: from sweet, with syrups, jellies or fruits, to savory and spicy with various herbs.
Another set of challenges involves digestive issues. Digestion of food begins in the mouth, and a common problem with aging is missing or loose teeth, which can hinder the ability of older adults to chew firm foods. Saliva production is usually also reduced, making foods difficult to swallow. In the stomach, we find that a reduced production of stomach acid interferes with digestion, making it more difficult for the elderly to obtain and utilize nutrients from their food. Finally, food moves more slowly through the digestive tract as we age, often resulting in constipation.
Goat milk products are a match for these challenges, also. Milk and soft cheeses can be mixed or pureed with fruit or other foods to a mixture that's the right consistency for the chewing abilities of the elderly person. Harder cheeses can be melted and mixed in with soft vegetables. Goat milk products are particularly easy to digest, due to the unique properties of the fat and protein molecules, and studies have shown that consumption of goat milk actually enhances mineral metabolism by the body.
Goat milk protein is completely digested before it reaches the large intestine, and its smaller fat molecules are easily absorbed. Additionally, fermented goat milk products like yogurt and buttermilk contain bacteria that are beneficial to gastrointestinal health.
Proper nutrition for the elderly has a unique set of challenges that includes physical limitations and natural decline of bodily functions. Individual assessment of these limitations is essential to providing satisfactory solutions.
Goat milk and goat dairy products can play a significant role in meeting these challenges. Goat milk has long been noted for its gentleness, and has properties that make it significantly more suited for elderly nutrition than cow's milk.
Goat milk is versatile, highly digestible and nutrient-rich. The protein and fat content of goat milk can help contribute to weight and muscle maintenance, while vitamins and minerals provide necessary nutrients for body and cell function. Milk also contains simple carbohydrates that can provide a boost in energy.
Conclusion? Goat milk can make a great-tasting, nutritious addition to the diet plan of most elderly adults.
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