For many seniors, focusing on their diet becomes a requirement as they get older, either due to a need to maintain a healthy weight or a medical condition. However, they may struggle with this, especially if they’re not able to get around the kitchen as they once did, which means they might reach for more convenient, processed foods. There is another type of food that’s convenient, though, that is a better choice for them. Fruits should be a staple of senior diets because they provide a myriad of health advantages that can support vitality and longevity. Additionally, fruits are easy to incorporate into their daily routine, and companion care at home providers can help.
Consider the following benefits of fruits for seniors:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits provide nutritional benefits for seniors. For instance, Vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and Vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin and eyesight, are just two of the many vital vitamins found in fruits. Additionally, they include minerals like potassium, which support normal blood pressure levels.
High in Fiber: Fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, which facilitates digestion and can help avoid constipation, a condition that is common in seniors. Plus, fiber helps heart health by reducing cholesterol, and recent studies show it may help cognitive function as well.
Antioxidants: Fruits are a rich source of antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which remove dangerous free radicals in the body. This antioxidant activity lowers the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and some types of cancer, as well as shielding cells from harm.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Seniors can stay hydrated by eating fruits with high water content, like oranges and watermelons. They also supply electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium, which are essential for the body to maintain the right fluid balance.
Top Ways for a Senior’s Diet to Include Fruits
While fruits are readily available, some seniors might not have much experience with them, rather than simply eating them as they are. While this is fine, companion care at home can help seniors get excited about fruits by showing them other ways to add them to their diet.
Seasonal and Fresh: Companion care at home can talk with seniors about choosing fruits that are in-season. This is significant as their flavor and nutritional value are usually at their best during this time. Also, enjoying a variety of fruits throughout the year, such as apples in the fall and berries in the summer, adds interest and nutrients to meals.
Smoothies and Juices: Squeezed fresh juices or smoothies can be a great option for seniors who might have trouble chewing. Companion care at home can teach them how to combine a variety of fruits with yogurt or milk in a blender to get extra calcium and protein.
Include in Meals: Seniors can include fruits in both savory and sweet dishes. For breakfast, they could add some berries to oatmeal or yogurt. For lunch or dinner, they could add some diced fruit to salads or serve it with grilled meats.
A senior’s diet can greatly benefit from including a range of fruits, as they can boost immune system performance and improve digestion and hydration. With companion care at home by their side, seniors can maintain a wholesome and tasty diet that benefits their general well-being by consuming fruits in a variety of forms and including them in meals and snacks.
Sources: https://orwfoundation.org/the-benefits-of-eating-two-fruits-a-day-for-veterans
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Irvine CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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