To stay healthy, nutritionists recommend plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Choosing those vegetables is important. Some vegetables offer very little nutritional benefit. Others go a long way in possibly helping to lower the risk of certain chronic conditions. Here are vegetables your parents need to include in their diet.

Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in folate, selenium, and vitamin K. It also contains riboflavin and thiamin. Many believe it can help with liver health. It’s an easy vegetable to cook. You can trim it, wrap it in foil with a little lemon juice squeezed over the stalks, and seal it up. Roast it for 20 to 30 minutes and it’s done.

Broccoli and Other Cruciforms

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are all cruciforms. They’re highly recommended for being heart healthy. You’ll also find them to be good sources of things like vitamins C and K, calcium, folate, and potassium.

Brussels sprouts have kaempferol. This flavonol has been studied and found to help with cell health. Some believe it can help keep cancerous cells from growing. Your parents may not love the bitter taste, but roasting them in balsamic vinegar can make them very tasty. You could also try shredding them and sauteing them in olive oil and garlic.

Leafy Greens

Kale and spinach are two vegetables that many promote as excellent choices. They’re high in antioxidants that help with cell health. They’re also high in vitamins A and K. Kale is high in calcium, too. If your parents don’t enjoy spinach or kale, you could blend them into a smoothie for breakfast. Pair them with strong flavors like frozen berries and some naturally sweetened cranberry juice.

Swiss chard is another excellent choice. It offers a boost of fiber, a small amount of protein, and plenty of antioxidants. One study involving Swiss chard found it was able to help protect diabetics against kidney and liver damage.

As uncooked greens are frequently linked to E coli, you should try to purchase the greens from a local farm. Even better, grow and eat your own leafy greens. That lowers the risk of contaminated food sources through infected water or manure.

Hire Outside Help to Prepare Healthy Meals if Cooking’s an Issue

Do your mom and dad struggle in the kitchen? Many kitchen utensils aren’t designed for a senior citizen’s weaker grip if arthritis pain is present. Holding an item while cutting with a knife may be frightening to a senior with worsening eyesight. Elderly care services cover food preparation.

With caregivers helping form weekly menus and preparing all meals, your parent eats healthy without struggling to make the dishes. Learn more by calling an elderly care agency to discuss healthy meals for seniors.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering elderly care in Wallingford, CT, please contact the caring staff at Franciscan Ever There Care. Call today 203-630-2881.