No matter how old someone is, eating vegetables is crucial for living a long and healthy life. This is something that many seniors feel like they can give up, but it is still necessary for them to eat a well-rounded diet for several reasons. Fruits and vegetables are key components of a healthy diet because they include the necessary vitamins and minerals that protect and repair the body. Produce also contains fiber and phytochemicals, which are natural plant ingredients that prevent illness.
Here are a few reasons why seniors should be eating vegetables. Keep in mind that if they are having a hard time preparing meals themselves it may be time for you to consider companion care at home to help prepare meals. This will ensure that they are eating a well-rounded diet filled with vegetables.
Vegetables Help a Senior Live Longer
Fruit and vegetable-rich diets improve longevity by considerably lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and cancer. Their antioxidant concentration prevents Cellular damage, lowering your loved one’s risk of cancer and cholesterol. Fruit and vegetable nutrients also help to boost immune systems.
Reduced Risk of Memory Issues
Diets heavy in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and fish, known as Mediterranean diets, have been related to improved cognition in elderly adults. All of these are “brain-healthy” foods that improve cognitive function. According to research, older persons who consume a limited quantity of these items or a large amount of red meat, fried meals, candies or sweets, cheese, and butter are less likely to have good cognitive capacities as they age.
Lowers The Risk Of Chronic Diseases
Chronic disorders such as IBS, obstructive lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis are reduced in the elderly by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Apples, for example, assist in decreasing blood pressure and may alleviate diabetic symptoms, while beets include antioxidants that protect against heart disease.
It Can Be a Mood Boost
Vitamin deficiencies have been linked to depression, restlessness, and exhaustion. Vegetables rich in folates, such as leafy greens, beets, and broccoli, may help your elderly loved one feel better. Broccoli also includes the trace mineral selenium, which is thought to aid in the treatment of depression, exhaustion, and sleeplessness. Vegetables and fruits are also quite invigorating, which can assist the elderly person in your life to feel better throughout the day.
Best Salads That Can Be Prepped
If a senior needs help to prep food they should consider hiring companion care at home to help them with dietary needs. Here are a few options you can help with too.
Fruit Salads
If your senior is missing anything like vitamin c or other vitamins, this can be a great and tasty way to add them into their diet. You can cut up fruit in advance and portion it out for them to eat a little every day.
Spinach Salad
Tons of older people struggle with becoming anemic and Spinach is loaded with iron. So you can bump up their levels with a nice spinach salad and add a bit of protein from chicken!
Source
https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/celebrate-national-salad-month/
