In July, it’s easy to get excited about all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that can be found in farmer’s markets, grocery stores and roadside stands, but one berry always steals the show. Not only are blueberries sweet and delicious, they are very healthy and can be added to many different dishes. No wonder this humble berry gets so much attention as a delicious and nutritious summer staple.July is National Blueberry Month, so there’s every opportunity for family caregivers and elderly care providers to include blueberries in meals, snacks and desserts for elderly adults.
What’s So Special About Blueberries?
Blueberries are consistently one of people’s favorite fruits in the United States, with most blueberry crops found in North America. Many communities with strong ties to the blueberry host festivals and celebrations in its honor. Because July is the peak of the blueberry harvest season, it’s the perfect time to include as many blueberries as possible in an elderly person’s diet. Family caregivers and elderly care providers have plenty of chances to incorporate blueberries into an aging adult’s daily nutritional intake.
Blueberries are considered a “superfood” because they have a lot of different nutrients in them without a lot of calories. In fact, a cup of blueberries is only about 80 calories. They also contain lots of dietary fiber, which helps digestion. As far as vitamins and minerals, blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, manganese, and potassium. Blueberries are the number one fruit for vital antioxidants, which help protect the body against toxins. It’s easy to see why blueberries have earned the label of superfood, as few fruits and vegetables can equal it.
Serving Blueberries to Seniors
Family caregivers and elderly care providers know how difficult it can be to get elderly people to eat enough nutritious food. Sometimes they don’t have large appetites, while others may have problems with chewing or swallowing. That’s why every bite must pack a nutritional punch. Blueberries are ideal because they are soft and sweet, and versatile enough to add to many meals and snacks.
Besides enjoying them raw by the cupful, blueberries are excellent as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt and cereal. They can be added to fruit smoothies, parfaits and fruit salads with ease. Of course, blueberries are the star of the show in foods like blueberry pancakes, blueberry muffins and blueberry bread. Consider putting them on salads, too. Even blueberry desserts can entice seniors to as for seconds, such as blueberry pie, blueberry cobbler and blueberry tarts. There isn’t much that family caregivers and elderly care providers can’t do with blueberries when it comes to meal preparation.
It's rare for seniors to find a food that is both healthy and delicious, but blueberries check off all the boxes. During National Blueberry Month in July, family caregivers and elderly care providers need to make it a priority to seek out blueberries when grocery shopping, then find tasty ways to bring them to the senior’s plate.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in Boca Raton, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At BrightStar Care Today! 561-921-0550.