As seniors’ bodies become more sensitive with age, ensuring what they put in their bodies is healthy becomes more important. If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, incorporating organic produce in your loved one’s diet is a good first step. Read on for five reasons seniors should eat organic.
1. More Antioxidants
Studies show organic produce contains 18 to 69 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown produce. Antioxidants prevent or delay cell damage in the body, which is why a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce your loved one’s risk of cancer, heart disease, vision problems, and cognitive issues.
Older adults who need help preparing healthy meals should consider professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
2. Reduced Pesticide Exposure
Even with proper washing, conventionally grown produce often retains traces of pesticides. This is especially true of soft-skinned produce such as grapes, peaches, and strawberries. Pesticide residues accumulate in the body over time, but switching to organic produce can limit your family member’s exposure to these harmful chemicals.
3. Better Immune Support
Many conventional farmers are starting to use genetically modified varieties of produce, or GMOs. The modification is supposed to yield bigger crops that are more resistant to disease and drought. Studies of animals fed genetically modified foods show the test subjects had significantly less immunity to disease and were more susceptible to certain cancers, sexual dysfunction, and allergens. Switching to organic produce may boost your loved one’s immune system and ward off illness.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Danville, CA, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Fewer Heavy Metals
Studies show organic produce contains much less cadmium than conventionally grown produce. Cadmium is a very toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and may lead to kidney failure over time. This is especially concerning for seniors who have some level of reduced kidney function.
5. Reduced Risk of Foodborne Illness
The pesticides used by conventional farmers have become stronger over the years. This has led to many of the “super bugs” and “super bacteria” we see today. The illnesses caused by the mutated bacteria are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics, and some of the bacteria, such as E. coli, can be particularly dangerous for seniors.
Eating organic produce is just one of the many ways to lower the risk of developing serious health issues. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Danville seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.
