National Blueberry Month is the perfect time to look at how often your senior is eating this delicious fruit and what you can do to get more of them into her diet. If you’re not sure how to adjust meal plans, it might help to work with senior care providers who can help you map out meals.
Blueberries Are Chock Full of Antioxidants.
Antioxidants are nutrients in foods that help to prevent oxidation. What this means in your elderly family member’s diet is that these nutrients work to help keep her healthier. The big antioxidants in blueberries include vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. All of these can boost your senior’s immune system.
Blueberries Also Contain Lots of Manganese.
Manganese is a mineral and it’s more important than you might think. It’s helpful for protecting weak bones and can help to improve joint pain. It’s also a mineral used to help treat COPD and certain types of anemia. With all that it impacts, manganese is one of the nutrients you want to make sure your elderly family member is getting plenty of on a regular basis.
They’re Low in Calories, but High in Fiber.
A full cup of blueberries only has about 80 calories, but that same cup has just under 4 grams of fiber. Fiber is important because it can help your elderly family member to keep her bowels moving. It also helps to battle higher cholesterol and contributes to heart health.
Blueberries Are Also Low in Fat.
A serving of blueberries is low in fat, so it’s a great choice for a snack or even for breakfast. This is a great choice if your elderly family member is looking for foods that satisfy her sweet tooth without adding a lot of unnecessary calories, especially from fat. Blueberries work well in smoothies, too, which can add some variety to weekly menus.
Researchers Are Learning More Every Day.
As researchers learn more about blueberries, they also branch out into other avenues for health benefits. Right now scientists are learning about how blueberries can affect insulin responses in the body, brain health, heart health, and even how blueberries might fight cancer. Finding ways to add blueberries to your senior’s diet now can give her untold health benefits later.
Blueberries are a wonderful way to help your elderly family member get a lot of nutrition in a small package. They’re a versatile berry that can be sweet or savory, depending on your senior’s tastes. Experiment a bit to find the ways that she likes them the best.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Seneca, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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