This is the time of year when many gardens are overflowing with produce. You may have friends who have brought over buckets or bags of cucumbers, begging you to take some off of their hands. The great news is that cucumbers provide a number of elder
If you don’t have your own garden or any friends who garden, having a provider who provides companion care at home, bringing your parents to the local grocery store, or even better, a farmer’s market, is another wonderful way to pick up some fresh cucumbers and begin enjoying this classic taste of summer.
Here are some of the health benefits your parent will reap when she adds cucumbers to her diet.
Lowered Blood Sugar
Some studies have shown that cucumbers help reduce the level of sugar in the blood and prevent some complications of diabetes. If your parent has diabetes, this can be a simple way to promote better blood sugar levels. Make it easy for your parent to enjoy some cucumber slices whenever she wants by having her companion care at home, slice them up and keep them in the fridge for a quick grab.
Regular Bowel Movements
As your parent gets older, having regular bowel movements can be more difficult. Cucumbers contain fiber and plenty of water, both of which promote regular bowel movements and help maintain a soft stool consistency. The pectin that is also in cucumbers is a type of fiber that is soluble and helps make sure the body keeps on track with bowel movements.
Better Hydration
Staying well hydrated will keep all areas of your parent’s health in better condition. While drinking plenty of fluids can help in hydration, some tasty cucumbers can be a nice addition to your parent’s diet. Cucumbers are about 96% water so they are especially effective in promoting hydration and helping your parent meet her daily hydration needs. For something a little tasty, you can ask your elder care provider who gives your parent companion care at home to fill up a pitcher of water, slice up some cucumbers, and throw them in the pitcher. It’ll give your parent’s glass of water a nice flavor twist while providing the extra bonuses that cucumbers provide.
Antioxidant Increase
Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals. The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illnesses, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and lung disease. That’s why enjoying a cucumber packed with antioxidants can be a huge health benefit for your parent, helping her body block that negative chemical reaction.
Nutrient Boost
Finally, cucumbers are high in several nutrients and provide those higher numbers without a huge caloric intake. A single unpeeled 11-ounce cucumber contains 14% of the RDA for Vitamin C, 62% of the RDA for Vitamin K, 13% of the RDA for potassium, and much more.
So, don’t turn away those do-gooders bringing you tons of cucumbers from their gardens. Those cucumbers can really pack a healthy punch into your parent’s diet!
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Columbia, 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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