Everyone has heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and research now indicates this is truer than ever. Apples are low in calories, and eating them has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. If your senior loved one is hesitant to jump on the apple bandwagon, here are some creative ideas that may help him or her get on board with enjoying the benefits of this amazing superfood.
Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
This warm beverage makes a delicious breakfast drink, and all you need to do is boil and blend chunks of apple with a handful of pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The apple provides a boost of vitamin C, and the pecans are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Add in the anti-inflammatory benefits of cinnamon, and your loved one has a healthy start to his or her day.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Pumpkin & Apple Black Bean Chili
This dish can be made with or without meat because the beans provide plenty of protein. To create the base of the chili, start with a can of black beans and add some pumpkin puree, a superfood full of potassium, magnesium, and fiber. As the chili cooks, add in chunks of apple along with spices such as cayenne and cumin, which are great for regulating insulin.
Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips
If you’re looking for a healthier snack food to keep your loved one’s sweet cravings satisfied, use a mandoline to make thin slices of apples and dust them with cinnamon before baking. Your loved one’s digestive system can benefit from the fiber in the apples, and the cinnamon can reduce your loved one’s blood sugar if he or she has diabetes.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Frederick, at-home care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Carrot & Apple Soup
Shredded carrots and apples can be stewed until they turn into a warm, delicious soup perfect for every season. In addition to the benefits the apples offer, the carrots add a boost of vitamins A and K along with carotenoids, which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. To heighten the flavor, add seasonings such as garlic, which can stave off viruses and heal inflammation.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Frederick families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we provide mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today at (301) 786-5045 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.