Adult community in Manalapan, N.J., emphasizes strategies of wellness and prevention

Manalapan, N.J.  – Consider ramping up the quality of your meals this holiday season with an emphasis on health. The Villas in Manalapan, N.J., a luxurious healthy-living senior community just a short drive from Staten Island, N.Y., suggests you try adding some superfoods to your meals.

Many classic dishes can be made more nutritious by adding or substituting one or a few ingredients. The Villas recommends combining healthy ingredients in different ways. Variety is key to optimal health because you get a wide range of nutrients. 

The Villas, emphasizing strategies of wellness and prevention, lists the following four superfoods as examples of healthy choices:

PISTACHIOS

These green nuts are high in fiber, protein, potassium, arginine, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Research shows they can improve cholesterol levels, and therefore cardiovascular health. They also have anti-cancer properties. Try adding some to a salad, roasted with green beans, baked on salmon, or snack on them (shelling them is an easy way to eat them slowly and mindfully). 

CRANBERRIES

Cranberries contain unique phytochemicals that support almost every major organ system. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Cranberries can decrease inflammation and have a positive impact on cardiovascular health and digestive health. Skip the sugary cranberry juice and try making your own cranberry sauce or relish, or baking whole cranberries into a healthy dessert.

BOK CHOY

This green vegetable is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, and protein. Bok choy has preventative health effects including reduction of risk for age-related eye diseases and cardiovascular disease. Try adding raw bok choy to a smoothie, or sauté as a dinner side dish.

POMEGRANATE 

Pomegranate seeds are rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants with heart health and anti-cancer benefits. They are also abundant in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Research has shown pomegranate juice can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and delay the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Try adding pomegranate seeds to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, or roasted Brussels sprouts. 

HOLIDAY BARK RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of dark chocolate
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, patted dry 

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler (or use microwave). Mix in the salt. 
2. Spread melted chocolate onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle pistachios and pomegranate seeds on top.
4. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
5. Use your hands to cut apart into irregular “bark” pieces (or you can use a knife).
6. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

About the Villas

Situated on seven wooded acres in Manalapan, N.J., a short distance from Staten Island, N.Y., the Villas is a luxurious senior apartment community reflecting the ambiance and accommodations of a world-class resort. Offering a range of amenities and services sensitive to the lifestyle, health and daily needs of its residents, the complex – orchestrated by Hackensack Meridian Health – is uniquely focused on wellness and prevention, and ideal for singles and couples alike. The upscale 100,000-square-foot community offers a unique arrangement of supervision and increased healthcare with onsite physician services. Providing for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care on specialized floors, the Villas eliminates the need to relocate elsewhere due to health issues, allowing couples to remain together in a comforting, well-managed, posh environment. The Villas is located at 289 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726. For information, the Villas may be reached at 732-847-3920, contacted via www.villashmh.com/contact, and visited online at www.villashmh.com.

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