Eight (8) Reasons for Seniors to Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

By Gretchen Curry, MSPH | August 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Eight (8) Reasons for Seniors to Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

  • Eating an adequate amount of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables is essential to staying healthy, active, and independent. If you are a senior, you should make sure you are getting enough raw and fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are a caregiver assisting a senior with their diet, make sure you are including an adequate amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet.
  • As you age you are more at risk for chronic diseases and health issues that are more prevalent in seniors. Your nutritional needs change as you age.
  • As an older adult if you do not get the nutrients you need, you are more susceptible to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Eating fruits and vegetables will fight malnutrition and increase the amount and variety of required vitamins in your diet.
  • Eating fruits and vegetables protects you from inflammation in your body. This is important if you are dealing with anything like arthritis or other diseases which increase inflammation in the body or joints. Arthritis is a disease that afflicts nearly fifty-four percent (54%) of seniors over the age of 75-years old.
  • Eating three to five servings of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables every day helps to prevent many cancers and heart disease. Cancer and heart disease diagnosis both increase as our population ages.
  • A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes, kidney failure and high blood pressure. Diabetes, kidney failure, and high blood pressure are diseases that plague older people. Diabetes affects twenty-five percent (25%) of persons over 65-years and older.  High blood pressure affects seventy-five percent (75%) of seniors over the age of 75-years or older.  Kidney disease affects fifty percent (50%) of seniors over 75-years of older.
  • Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will help to regulate your bowels and digestive system.
  • Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will overall help you to feel better and look healthier.

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Gretchen Curry, MSPH
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