Seniors should eat be eating meals that contain mostly vegetables if they want to be healthy. But what vegetables are the healthiest? What vegetables are the easiest for seniors to eat? You can use these tips to make sure that your mom or dad is eating nutrient-dense vegetables that will provide essential vitamins and minerals.
If you’re worried that your senior parent isn’t eating enough vegetables because they are living independently, and you can’t be there for every meal consider getting senior home care. With senior home care, a care provider is in the house with your mom or dad to help them prepare meals, shop, and run errands.
A care provider can make sure that your senior parent is eating healthy meals and they can even prep healthy meals and snacks ahead of time so that you can be sure your mom or dad is eating well at home. The best vegetables for seniors to eat include:
Spinach
Spinach is great for seniors because it’s high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Spinach supports bone health, immune function, and eye health. Fresh spinach is delicious served in a salad or with a lean protein like chicken. And frozen spinach is great cooked with eggs, which is a healthy and easy-to-eat meal for seniors.
Broccoli
Broccoli has a lot of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It promotes digestive health, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function. Broccoli is incredibly versatile and it can be baked, steamed, or cooked in an air fryer to give it a little crunch. Broccoli with cheese is always delicious.
Carrots
Carrots should be part of every senior’s diet. They are filled with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A to improve eye health, immune function, and skin health. Carrot sticks and hummus or dip are a fantastic snack for seniors that can eat a hard carrot stick. For seniors that need a softer food steamed carrots can be mashed with butter and cheese. Try rainbow carrots for a variety of different vitamins and minerals.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another nearly perfect food for seniors to eat. Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium sweet potatoes can improve eye health, immune function, and promote healthy blood pressure. The best sweet potatoes are roasted and served with butter and cinnamon. But, frozen sweet potato chunks can be fried in an air fryer or steamed for a quick side to a meal.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers have vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as antioxidants. They improve immune function, help improve skin texture, and they reduce inflammation. Eating bell peppers can help seniors who suffer from inflammatory disorders like Lupus or chronic pain.
Kale
Kale has become a popular vegetable for good reason. This leafy green is full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and antioxidants. Eating kale often supports bone health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes healthy skin.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts aren’t as difficult to eat as people think. When they are steamed or roasted they become very soft and easy for seniors to eat. They’re high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Adding brussels sprouts to your mom or dad’s diet will improve their digestive health, reduces inflammation, and support their bone health.
Reference:
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/senior-nutrition
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Castle Pines, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
