Whether your older family member prepares meals on their own or at a retirement community, they may want to start thinking about consuming strawberries more frequently. Given how small they are, your loved one may be shocked to learn about the benefits of strawberries, and the substantial health advantages they offer.
Here are just a few ways strawberries might add a little extra nutritional boost to your older loved one’s diet, and how residing at a retirement community can help them work towards adopting a healthier diet.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Strawberries
Given that strawberries contain anti-inflammatory effects, including them in your older loved one’s diet may be highly beneficial, especially if he or she suffers from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
In fact, the Arthritis Foundation lists strawberries as one type of fruit recommended for arthritis patients. It is thought that strawberries contain phytochemicals that lessen arthritic flare-ups. They can also aid in lowering uric acid levels, which can cause gout.
Your loved one can get assistance from dedicated team members at a retirement community with grocery shopping for a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including superfoods like strawberries.
They May Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Older Adults
Since strawberries contain fewer carbohydrates than other fruits and foods and those carbohydrates are digested more slowly, strawberries are on the lower end of the glycemic scale. They also include compounds known as polyphenols, which may improve insulin sensitivity.
In other words, they can facilitate your loved one’s body’s response to the insulin being produced, which can aid in lowering total blood sugar levels.
They May Circumvent Other Health Conditions
Numerous studies indicate strawberries may be beneficial for treating heart disease as well as other health problems.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health examined 93,600 women’s survey responses. They discovered that participants who consumed three or more servings of blueberries or strawberries per week—both of which are high in substances known as anthocyanins—saw a 32% decrease in heart attacks compared to participants who consumed berries once a month or less. Even if the non-berry-eating women consumed a diet high in other fruits and vegetables, this still holds true.
Strawberries may aid in cancer prevention due to their anti-inflammatory effects. They may also provide support for other mental health disorders and cognitive functions. These can be strong arguments for regularly increasing the amount of strawberries in your elderly loved one’s diet.
They’re High in Vitamins
Fresh strawberries in particular have a high water content, making them excellent for hydrating the body. They also contain fewer carbohydrates than other fruits, which makes them a smart choice for anyone concerned about their blood sugar levels. The antioxidants vitamin C, and vitamin K, amongst others, are abundant in strawberries.
If you’re looking to help your loved one adopt a better diet to strengthen their health and immune systems, ensuring that they have wholesome meals prepared for them daily might just be the solution. Check out our retirement community’s Sensations dining program. We offer nutritious and delicious chef-prepared meals tailored to our resident’s health needs!
