Sweet potatoes aren’t just a tasty treat for holiday meals. These root vegetables are actually rich in essential vitamins and minerals that offer many benefits for people over 65. Here are a few of the reasons your aging loved one might want to eat more sweet potatoes.
1. Boost the Immune System
As people get older, their immune systems don’t work as well to defend against illnesses. Sweet potatoes contain plenty of beta-carotene, which has been shown to increase the body’s number of T cells, which fight infection. They also contain vitamins C and B, iron, and phosphorus, all of which are immunity boosters.
Eating more nutritious foods is one of the many ways older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Keep the Digestive Tract Healthy
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, especially their skins. Fiber is important for senior diets because it relieves constipation and can even prevent colon cancer, which makes these roots one of the tastiest ways to stay regular.
3. Promote Heart Health
Sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium. Potassium helps seniors maintain normal blood pressure, heart function, and fluid and electrolyte levels in the cells, which is why sweet potatoes are especially beneficial for those who aren’t physically active and cannot strengthen their hearts on their own.
Some seniors need help preparing healthy meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Montgomery seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Protect the Eyes
As noted earlier, these root vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which can slow macular degeneration and cataracts. The body also converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that prevents eye conditions like night blindness and dry eyes. Both of these nutrients can also reduce the risk of eye infections.
5. Soothe Arthritis Pain
Because they contain beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B, sweet potatoes can help your loved one handle his or her arthritis symptoms. If the sweet potatoes are boiled, your loved one can even rub the water used to boil them onto his or her joints to ease arthritis pain.
Switching to healthy meals can be difficult for older adults without assistance. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our revolutionary in-home care plans, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.