Whether your elderly family member handles meal preparation on her own or has help from home care providers on a daily basis, she might want to start considering strawberries more often. These little berries offer some big health benefits that your elderly family member might be surprised to hear about. Here are just a few of the ways strawberries can make your senior’s diet a little more nutritious, and how home care can help.
Strawberries Have Anti-inflammatory Properties
Strawberries do have anti-inflammatory properties, which can make them a helpful addition to your senior’s diet if she has arthritis or other issues with inflammation. In fact, strawberries are just one type of fruit recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. Strawberries are believed to contain phytochemicals that help to reduce arthritis flares. They can also help to reduce uric acid, which can lead to gout. A home care provider can help your senior with grocery shopping for many nutritious foods, including strawberries.
They Can Help with Insulin Sensitivity
Home Care in St. Petersburg FL** Note: Shallow depth of field
Strawberries are on the lower end of the glycemic scale because they’re lower in carbs and those carbs digest more slowly than in other fruits and foods. They also contain ingredients call polyphenols which can help with insulin sensitivity. That means that they can make it easier for your senior’s body to respond to the insulin that it is producing, which can help to lower overall blood sugar.
They May Help Prevent Health Issues
There are a variety of studies that suggest strawberries might be helpful with heart disease as well as other health issues. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, strawberries might also be helpful in preventing cancer. They’re also thought to help with cognitive function and other mental health issues. These can be compelling reasons to add more strawberries to your elderly family member’s diet on a regular basis.
They’re Nutrient Dense
Strawberries, particularly fresh ones, have a high water content which makes them very good for hydrating. They are also lower in carbs than other fruits, which makes them a good choice for someone who wants to be mindful of blood sugar levels. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and other antioxidants. They’re also a great source of:
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Folate
Want to help your senior to enjoy strawberries more often? June 14 is National Strawberry Shortcake Day, and healthy versions of recipes are easy to find. Many use ingredients like coconut flour and non-dairy whipped toppings, like whipped coconut milk. Even just enjoying fresh, ripe strawberries without any added sugar is an excellent way to increase the strawberries in your senior’s diet. When you can’t be there to help your senior enjoy the benefits of fresh strawberries, a home care provider can be there to prepare them and provide companionship at the same time.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Care in St. Petersburg, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
