Summertime is a great time to enjoy the delicious fruits of the season. Berries are plentiful in the warmer months and can be found just about anywhere—in supermarkets, farmer markets, and pick-your-own farms, just to name a few. While they are delicious to enjoy, many berries also have great health benefits for all ages, especially seniors.
An in-home care provider can help your loved one have berries every day during the summer by serving them at least one meal a day or putting them out as a sweet snack. Having easy access to berries will help your loved one enjoy them plentifully this summer and absorb these great health benefits.
Here’s the benefits of including berries as part of your loved one’s in-home care:
Reduced Frailty
As many people age, they become more frail. Frailty leads to an increased risk of developing rapidly progressing illnesses and injuries due to falls. Blackberries can actually help reduce frailty in many elderly people. Blackberries are loaded with quercetin, a flavonoid that protects elderly adults from developing certain age-related conditions like loss of muscle mass and fatigue.
Improved Cognitive Health
Blueberries are one of the best berries for keeping the mind in top shape. Blueberries can improve memory, the ability to solve problems, and the ability to develop strategies more efficiently. They boost all areas of brain power in seniors with just a few handfuls of blueberries a day.
At this time of year, blueberries can be found at almost all locations that sell food, so have your in-home care provider supply fresh blueberries at all times for your loved one to enjoy.
Better vision
Some berries can help improve vision. A native berry from Asia – the goji berry – has been shown to improve eye health. It keeps eyes healthy by protecting them from developing eye conditions such as macular degeneration. The antioxidants in the goji berries decrease the fatty deposits under the retina.
While goji berries are not as easily found as other more common berries like blueberries or strawberries, looking in Asian markets for either the berry or goji berry juice can help your loved one enjoy them regularly.
Healthy heart
Speaking of common berries – the strawberry is not to be outdone with providing better health for your loved one. Strawberries are a great way for your loved one to lower their cholesterol and increase their heart health. Combine them with other berries, like blueberries, at least several times a week and it can reduce the risk of developing a heart attack.
Regular consumption of strawberries also helps lower blood pressure, a leading cause of heart attacks.
Less Inflammation
Some berries can help the body fight inflammation. Cranberries, which are often fresh in the stores near the end of summer, are great for reducing inflammation. They are packed full of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation protects your loved one from developing some chronic diseases.
With all these health benefits, why wouldn’t your loved one want to consume summer berries daily? Work directly with her in-home care provider to make sure that she has plenty of berries these summer and early fall months to keep her health in great shape while enjoying the sweet, deliciousness of summer berries.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, today. Call (303) 647-1800
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Castle Rock and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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