June is Georgia Blueberries Month, which means that you should be able to find tons of fresh blueberries in grocery stores. Frozen options are great, too, because they’re picked and frozen at the peak of freshness. But why are blueberries such a good idea for your senior? There are lots of health benefits to eating blueberries, and these are just a few.
Full of Lots of Vitamins and Minerals
Blueberries are full of tons and tons of minerals and vitamins that are incredibly healthy. Antioxidants are important for good health, and blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. Those antioxidants help to boost your senior’s immune system and overall health and well-being. Some of the antioxidants found in blueberries include quercetin, anthocyanins, and myricetin. Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, K1, manganese and so much more. They’re low in calories for all of the nutrition that they pack, too.
High in Fiber
Another vital nutrient that blueberries have in abundance is fiber. Blueberries are a great way to add a fiber boost to your senior’s daily diet, and they taste great as well. Fiber doesn’t just help your senior to stay regular, it also helps her to feel full longer, which is great if she’s trying to cut back on overeating of less healthy foods.
Reduce Blood Pressure
Several studies link increased blueberry intake to lower blood pressure. These studies also confirm that it doesn’t take massive amounts of blueberries to get those benefits, either. Eating just 2 ounces of blueberries per day can offer massive benefits, likely due to the antioxidant content. There is also evidence that blueberries can reduce the risk of heart attack and arterial plaque buildup.
Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Metabolic syndrome is a complicated health issue that has an impact on heart health, obesity, diabetes, and more. Scientists have found that eating a diet higher in blueberries can reduce the impact of metabolic syndrome, improving insulin sensitivity. If your elderly family member is either dealing with or at risk of dealing with metabolic syndrome, this is important information for her.
Improve Memory
Blueberries have also been found to improve memory in older adults. If your elderly family member is concerned about her memory or has a family history of dementia, then blueberries might be an important addition to her diet. Results vary according to a variety of different factors, of course, but talk with your senior’s doctor about what blueberries might be able to do for her.
Managing health and other issues is a complicated task, and your senior may need a lot more help now than she has in the past. 24-hour home care providers can assist your senior with those tasks and ensure that she has someone there with her at all times. Caregivers are also able to make sure she’s eating healthy foods on a regular basis, including blueberries if she’s interested in adding those to her diet. Look into what else 24-hour home care providers might be able to make easier for your senior.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA please contact the caring staff at Calvary Senior Care today. (866) 710-8767
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