As the days get longer and farmers’ markets pop up for the summer season, loved ones might start to wonder what types of fruits seniors can add to their routines for optimum health. With home care providers available to help with meal planning, what more can be done? The answer to that question might be persimmons. Persimmons are vibrant and tasty, with many health advantages, especially for seniors. Although they originate from China and Japan, they are now widely consumed worldwide, including in the United States.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium are just a few vitamins and minerals abundant in persimmons. Additionally, they contain dietary fiber, which is crucial for preserving digestive health.
Continue reading to learn more about how seniors can benefit from persimmon.
Persimmons Can Improve Heart Health
Antioxidants found in abundance in persimmons can aid in defending the heart from free radical damage. Additionally, persimmons have fiber, which can lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. According to one study, seniors who consumed persimmons for 12 weeks saw a considerable drop in their LDL cholesterol levels.
Adding Persimmons Enhances Digestive Health
Seniors may develop digestive issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome as they age. The soluble and insoluble fiber included in persimmons can support regular bowel motions and enhance digestive health in general. Additionally, the tannins found in persimmons can aid in easing digestive discomfort.
Increased Immunity and Decreased Inflammation
Vitamin C, a necessary ingredient for sustaining a healthy immune system, is abundant in persimmons. Seniors may experience immune system decline as they age, increasing their susceptibility to infections and diseases. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as persimmons, can help to strengthen the immune system and lower the risk of illnesses.
Seniors frequently experience chronic inflammation, which has been related to various health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Flavonoids, antioxidants found in persimmons, have been demonstrated to lessen inflammatory responses in the body. According to one study, older persons who consumed persimmons had significantly lower levels of inflammatory indicators.
Adding Persimmons Strengthens Bone Health
Seniors may experience weaker, more fragile bones as they age, increasing their risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Calcium, necessary for keeping strong bones, may be found in persimmons. Additionally, they also include vitamin K, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones since it helps control the body’s calcium levels.
Adding persimmons to seniors’ routines will take trial and error if they’ve never worked with the fruit. It is vital to have support from in-home care and loved ones who can make them more comfortable with the fruit. Once they’re familiar with how they can incorporate persimmons into their diet, they can start reaping the benefits of the fruit.
Persimmons can be a fantastic method for seniors to support their general health and well-being by being included in a balanced diet. It is important to remember that persimmons should be eaten in moderation because they are high in natural sugars. Before making significant dietary changes, you should speak with a healthcare professional.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23171573/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120831/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/persimmon-nutrition-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-persimmon#:~:text=Persimmons%20are%20a%20good%20source,conditions%20including%20cancer%20and%20stroke.&text=One%20serving%20of%20persimmons%20contains,Calories%3A%20118
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