Everyone needs proper nutrition. The food an individual eats has a huge influence on the functions of his body and the activities he can accomplish during the day. If an individual maintains a healthy diet, he’ll be immune from common illnesses and diseases, increasing his productivity. On the other side of the coin, if an individual doesn’t even think about his nutrition and eats anything he wants, he can end up with disorders and diseases that can limit his activities.
Undeniably, nutrition is vital for everyone – but the age increases, this requirement amplifies. Your bodily functions will start to deteriorate and you won’t have the vigor you used to have back when you were a teen. Nutrition can significantly fill in the gaps so you can continue to move and function properly.
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As you age, the number of activities you can engage yourself in will become limited. For example, you won’t be able to run as fast as before; you may not have the interest to go out of the house anymore. You can steer away from this direction by paying attention to the food you eat. Nutrition can aid with your mobility as you age, especially eating the right kind of fruits. The fruits listed below should always be included in your grocery list as these can help prevent mobility impairments in seniors. As early as possible, inject the following fruits to your diet:
- Apples and pears: Apples and pears are juicy fruits, but for some seniors, these can be crunchy fruits can be too difficult to eat. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways for you to still enjoy apples and pears. For example, you may cut off the top and bottom of the fruits, brush the core with butter or cinnamon, and bake these for a couple of minutes. Once done, you’ll be able to enjoy soft apples and pears. If you’re a busy bee who doesn’t have the luxury of time, grate the fruits instead. You can eat the grated food as is or add your preferred dressing.
Apples and pears are rich in vitamins A and C, which increases your immunity. Eating these fruits regularly can decrease your cholesterol levels, keep bowel movements regular, and improve your overall health and wellness.
- Avocados: Almost everyone in the world loves avocados – with its buttery taste and health benefits, it’s no wonder it is a favorite of many. Avocados can do wonders for your heart as they contain good fat. It also has high levels of potassium and vitamins B6, C, and E. Avocados are also excellent sources of magnesium and folate. Plus, there are many ways to eat avocado. You can scoop out the avocado flesh and eat it right away, or you can make avocado shakes, smoothies, and guacamole. Avocado toast – toasted bread with avocado and egg – is very popular among health and fitness enthusiasts, too!
- Bananas: Bananas are one of those fruits that can are available all year long. Aside from its availability, bananas can help mobility in old age as it contains potassium – an important compound that regulates blood pressure. The potassium you can get from bananas can also help in preventing and alleviating mood disturbances and depression. This fruit contains fiber as well.
There are many ways to eat a banana, but the simplest would be peeling the fruit and consuming it right away. You can also smash it with a fork if you have problems chewing it in larger portions. If the fruit is too bland for you, consider mixing it with other ingredients found in your cupboard. Almond or peanut butter and banana sandwiches aren’t only a tasty snack, it’s also healthy in more ways than one!
- Kiwis and strawberries: Kiwis and strawberries are a great source of protein and calcium. They also contain high levels of vitamin C. Kiwis and strawberries are very sweet fruits, but these can be very tough to chew if these aren’t fully ripe. A simple solution to save yourself from the stress is to give them time to ripen. If you think these fruits are already soft enough to mash, create a thick sauce by adding some whip cream to the mixture.
- Watermelon: Water plays an essential role in the body. Aside from drinking at least eight glasses of water every day, include watermelon in your diet. This fruit contains a lot of water, which means that eating watermelon regularly can keep your body going while keeping you hydrated. To determine if a watermelon is already ripe, look for a yellow patch and smell the watermelon. If you can sniff a fruity smell, it’s a telltale sign that it’s ready to be eaten.
Nutrition Can Help
Your body changes as you age – and so should your diet. There might be some things that you can no longer do when you’re a senior, but prioritizing your nutrition can help greatly help in keeping your mobility and making you active. Let fruits become your ally so you can live a comfortable life even in your golden years!