Fruits and vegetables are imperative to a healthy diet because they are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that protect and heal the body. Produce is also filled with fiber and phytochemicals, or natural plant compounds, that fight disease. If you are designing a healthy diet for your aging loved one, here’s why fruits and vegetables are elder care necessities.

3 Reasons Your Elderly Loved One Should Eat Fruits & Vegetables

1. Prolongs Life Expectancy

Studies indicate diets high in fruits and vegetables promote a long life because they significantly lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and cancer. Their antioxidant content reduces DNA damage, which limits your loved one’s cancer risk and lowers their cholesterol level. Fruit and vegetable nutrients also contribute to stronger immune systems.

2. Lowers Risk of Memory Problems

Mediterranean diets, or those high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and fish, are linked to better memory in older adults. All are “brain-healthy” foods that boost cognitive function. Research indicates older people who consume low amounts of these foods or high amounts of red meat, fried options, candy or sweets, cheese, and butter are less likely to enjoy healthy cognitive abilities as they age.

3. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Elder care that includes a diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Apples, for example, help lower blood pressure and might mitigate diabetes symptoms, while the antioxidants in beets protect against heart disease.

4. Improves Mood

Deficiencies in vitamins, such as folate, have been connected to depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Vegetables, such as leafy greens, beets, and broccoli, are all high in folate to help your older loved one feel great. Broccoli also contains the trace mineral selenium, which is believed to help fight depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Vegetables and fruits are also extremely energizing to help the older person in your life feel better throughout the day.

Having your aging loved one eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables ensures they will live the best life they can. A&T Certified Home Care is New City, NY’s premier elder care service. With this team of compassionate and experienced home health aides, providing both live-in and hourly assistance, your older family member will receive the personalized service they need to thrive. Call (845) 708-8182 today to speak with a friendly team member, or visit their website for more information about elder care.