As seniors age, diminished appetites may mean they don’t always get enough of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. If your elderly loved one has begun eating less, one way to make sure your parent gets all the essential vitamins and minerals he or she needs is to serve nutrient-rich foods. Serving blueberries is an easy way to promote senior health for the following reasons.
Provides a Brain Boost
Studies show eating blueberries daily boosts memory and overall cognitive health. This brain boost is related to the large amount of antioxidants found in blueberries, which can reduce the brain tissue inflammation that leads to memory conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Eating blueberries can stabilize blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. As most berries, including blueberries, have a low glycemic index and high fiber, they’re an excellent way for your loved one to moderate his or her blood sugar levels while still being able to enjoy something sweet. However, make sure you’re serving blueberries or 100% blueberry juice rather than sugar-rich blueberry treats such as muffins or pie.
Eating nutritious meals is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices older adults can make. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Livingston Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Protects the Eyes
The antioxidants in blueberries can protect the retina of the eye from damage from the sun or pollutants in the air. To protect your loved one’s eyes and prevent further retina damage, include blueberries in your loved one’s morning yogurt or cereal.
Promotes Cardiovascular System
If your loved one has hypertension, consuming blueberries can moderate his or her blood pressure. The antioxidants and anthocyanins in blueberries can also lower cholesterol and reduce buildup in the arteries.
Some older adults need help preparing nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of respite care. Livingston seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Recent research shows blueberries may have anti-cancer properties because of the large amount of anthocyanins they contain. These flavonoids, which also give blueberries their color, attack free radicals that can lead to cancer, diminishing the chances of developing breast, small intestine, esophageal, and colon cancers.
Along with eating fruits like blueberries, it’s important for seniors to maintain a well-rounded, balanced diet. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team today.