Why Is Celery a Healthy Choice for Elderly People?

Making wise choices when it comes to food is one way seniors can minimize doctor visits. This is especially true when it comes to a vegetable like celery, which can be easily incorporated into many favorite recipes or appreciated on its own or with peanut butter, which itself is loaded with vitamin E, niacin, and other essential nutrients. Here are a few health benefits of celery. 

Assists with Digestion

Celery has high fiber content that can help seniors with the digestion process. Celery’s high water content also allows for the easy passage of stool. 

Reduces “Bad” Cholesterol

Butylphthalide, the compound in celery that provides the vegetable’s flavor, may play a role in reducing LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad” type of cholesterol. One study found that two stalks of celery per day reduced LDL levels in participants by up to seven points. 

Eating celery is one of the healthiest habits for seniors to adopt. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Boosts Vision

The high amount of vitamin A in celery can help seniors maintain their vision. It offers approximately 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. 

Lowers Blood Pressure

Phthalides, coumarin, and apigenin are some of the compounds in celery that may lower blood pressure. Raw celery tends to be more beneficial for reducing blood pressure. 

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Orlando families can trust. 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. 

Prevents Cancer

A handful of studies suggest certain components in celery may prevent some forms of cancer. Two studies focused on luteolin, a powerful flavonoid found in celery, that’s been shown to prohibit the growth of cancer cells. 

Fresh, crisp celery is especially rich in beneficial nutrients. While cooking can reduce some of the good things in celery that can help seniors keep the doctor away, steaming is a method of preparation that retains about 99 percent of the nutrients found in celery.Preparing nutritious meals is one of the many tasks older adults may need help with. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Orlando seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Specialists today to learn more about our customized care plans.