What Health Benefits do Blueberries Offer?
It’s National July Belongs to Blueberries Month. Is this tiny fruit part of your dad’s daily diet? If not, it should be. Blueberries are readily available in the summer months. You’ll also find them year-round in the frozen fruit section of your local grocer. It’s one of the best fruits to eat when you’re looking for an easy-to-eat fruit that is also a nutritional champion.
Nutritional Value of Blueberries.
One cup of fresh or frozen blueberries counts as one serving. This serving has just 80 calories. For that one cup of blueberries, the USDA states you get almost 3 grams of fiber, over 1 gram of protein, and substantial amounts of vitamins A, C, D, and potassium. Blueberries also contain calcium, magnesium, and smaller amounts of iron.
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins. These flavonoids give blueberries their rich blue-purple color. The flavonoids are also believed to help prevent certain cancers, improve night vision, and protect against vascular disease.
Blueberries May Benefit Those With Dementia.
In 2016, the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center released their findings regarding the benefits of blueberries in cognitive function. In the study, participants over the age of 67 ate one serving of blueberries or a placebo each day for four months. Those who ate the serving of blueberries had better brain function than those who had the placebo.
Easy Ways to Add Blueberries to Your Dad’s Diet.
Blueberries are easily added to salads, oatmeal, or boxed cereal. Use frozen blueberries as ice cubes in a glass of water or seltzer for your dad to eat while he drinks. Blueberries also are great in smoothies, stirred into yogurt, or eaten plain as a snack.
Make an easy blueberry sauce by blending lemon juice, blueberries, and honey. Spoon some of this sauce over grilled chicken or pork. You can also add blueberries to vanilla ice cream. Turn it into a healthy sorbet by pureeing blueberries and honey and freezing the mixture.
Spend your time taking your dad out to the park or to a local beach. Make sure you’re enjoying your time together and not worrying about getting things done around the house. While you’re at work, a senior care agency can have someone helping your dad remain independent in the family home. Call a senior care agency to arrange to have a caregiver help with tasks like menu planning, meal preparation, and light housework.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Plainsboro, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.
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