For seniors

A FOOD TO COMBAT COGNITIVE DIFFICULTIES IN THE ELDERLY

Although not everyone agrees on the age of senior citizens (over 50 or 65, depending on the source), it is clear that, thanks to medical progress and the continuous increase in life expectancy, they now represent a growing proportion of the population.

And if this trend continues in the years to come, almost all of the population increase will occur among the elderly.

A good reason to ask what Columbus eggs and their exceptional nutritional qualities can do for them.

 Did you know?

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are found in nature either as triglycerides or as phospholipids. From the point of view of brain health, omega-3 phospholipids are much more powerful than omega-3 triglycerides. Only they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. They can therefore participate in the biochemical reactions of the brain.

The good news is that the long-chain fatty acids in the yolk of Columbus eggs are almost exclusively present in the phospholipid form. 

Main benefits of our eggs for seniors

Preserving cognitive and relational skills

One of the problems associated with ageing is memory decline. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a fatty acid of the omega-3 family, has been shown to help develop the brain and cognition. In sufficient quantities in our brain and plasma, it promotes memory and helps prevent certain neurodegenerative diseases.

According to a study carried out by researchers at INSA Lyon, DHA could be used as a preventive treatment against Alzheimer’s. In particular, DHA modulates the expression of inflammatory genes and stimulates the elimination of the amyloid peptide Aβ42, a marker of Alzheimer’s. These fatty acids are particularly effective before the disease appears or when the symptoms are still mild.

These studies also show that oxidative stress in the brain is another key mechanism involved in Alzheimer’s disease, notably through increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species and oxidative degradation of lipids. DHA helps combat the oxidative stress that initiates neuronal death.

In addition to the consumption of DHA, it is advisable to prevent the disease by practising activities such as regularly listening to your favourite music while singing, doing crosswords, playing Scrabble, attending lectures, learning a new language, but also practising regular physical activity such as walking.

Between the ages of 50 and 60 the body loses between 1% and 1.5% of its muscle mass per year, and between 2% and 3% per year after 60. Muscle loss is not insignificant as it increases the risk of falls and loss of mobility and therefore, in the long term, of autonomy.

To maintain a good muscle mass, it is essential for seniors to consume foods rich in protein, such as Columbus eggs. When there is not enough protein in the food, the body uses the protein in the muscles to function, which accelerates the loss of muscle mass and leads to a decline in physical condition.

Eating protein and moving as much as possible by walking regularly are two golden tips for maintaining good mobility and independence.

Osteoarthritis is also a factor in the loss of mobility for older people. The wear and tear of the cartilage and the inflammation affecting it are a source of suffering that deteriorates the quality of life and encourages a sedentary lifestyle.

Adopting a good diet is essential in the fight against osteoarthritis. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, choose the right spices such as pepper and turmeric, but also eat the right fats. Omega 3s are essential fatty acids that are particularly useful for soothing inflammation. We have a serious lack of them in our bodies.

Columbus eggs, because they are 15 times richer in omega-3 than other eggs, are a precious ally for seniors.

Discover also the benefits of Columbus eggs against cholesterol

Sources: Belkouch, M., Hachem, M., Elgot, A., Lo Van, A., Picq, M., Guichardant, M., Lagarde, M., & Bernoud-Hubac, N. (2016). The pleiotropic effects of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid on the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 38, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.03.002

A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

Découvrez la gamme des œufs Columbus, au sol, plein air, jumbo ou pic-nic.
Delicious and good for your health.