July is the ideal time to stock up on fresh peaches. As National Peach Month, it’s the perfect time for this fruit as they’ve ripened and are full of the juicy, sweet nectar. When it comes to nutritional content, are peaches going to stand out more than other fruit?

The Nutritional Content of a Medium Peach

A typical medium-sized peach contains more nutrients than you might imagine. There’s no cholesterol/fats or sodium. There’s an estimated 13 grams of sugar, so your parents should be aware of that if they’re diabetic.

What the peach does offer is 2 grams of fiber, plenty of antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. It’s rich in beta carotene. They also contain small amounts of potassium, zinc, magnesium, niacin, and iron.

Antioxidants are important in helping the cells fight infection and free radicals. They can play a part in lowering the risk of certain types of cancer. That’s why it’s important to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, even if the calorie or sugar content is higher than your parents want. The nutritional benefits are most important.

Do Your Parents Eat a Balanced Diet?

If you look at the nutritional recommendations for older adults, your parents may not be meeting those goals. They should be getting 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day and 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit. They need a cup of whole grains each day, 3 cups of dairy, and 5 to 6.5 ounces of lean protein. Oils should be used sparingly and not top more than 7 teaspoons.

When your parents are using oils in dressings or for cooking, they need to aim for healthier oils like walnut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil. They need to avoid fried foods and stick to grilled, poached, roasted, or broiled.

Take out foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and fat. Frozen dinners and heat-and-eat meals at grocery stores are also not the best choices. Cooking meals at home where you control the ingredients and quality is ideal.

A balanced diet must contain fresh vegetables and fruit. If your parents are having a hard time coming up with meals that include both, senior care can help. Caregivers can help your parents shop for groceries, cook meals for them, and make sure they’re drinking plenty of water. Talk to a senior care specialist to learn more about meal preparation and grocery services.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.