What do you know about cherries? Celebrate National Cherry Month by learning more about the health benefits you gain from these tiny fruits. Having home care assistance services can help your parent with eating nutritiously.
More Than 1,000 Varieties Exist
You may only see bing cherries in the produce section if you go into a store. You’ll find maraschino cherries on shelves. That’s all you know of cherries, but there are more than 1,000 different types. Some are sweet, some are tart, and many more are a perfect cross of sweet and sour.
Sour Cherries Provide Higher Levels of Many Nutrients
There are sweet cherries like bing cherries and sour fruits like Montmorency cherries. However, acidic varieties are packed with higher levels of nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin A, and niacin. While sweet cherries contain 64 IU of vitamin A, sour cherries contain 1,283 IU. All cherries also have vitamin E, vitamin K, and lutein.
Montmorency Cherries Boost Melatonin Levels
If your parents have problems with insomnia, consider keeping dried Montmorency cherries or sour cherry juice on hand. These cherries are tarter than others, but they contain high levels of phytochemicals like melatonin, which can help with sleep.
They’re a Good Source of Vitamin C
One cup of cherries contains almost 20% of the vitamin C you need each day. Vitamin C is essential for your immune system and cell health.
Antioxidant-Rich Cherries Reduce Inflammation
Oxidative stress can trigger inflammation, leading to chronic conditions like diabetes, certain cancers, and arthritis. A handful of cherries each day is found to help lower oxidative stress in the body’s cells. It also helps the body’s recovery after an intense workout.
It Protects the Heart
Eating a diet that contains added sugar increases the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease. Instead of grabbing a cookie or candy bar, your parents can grab a handful of cherries and resolve their craving for something sweet without all of the added sugar.
Is It Time to Have Home Care Assistance Providers Help Your Parents With Meals?
Rather than worry about your parents’ eating habits when you’re not around, call our home care assistance specialist. You’ll learn more about meal preparation services and other beneficial options like shopping assistance and organization.
Your parents can have a professional caregiver help them shop for foods, prepare healthy meals and snacks, and get plenty to eat and drink throughout the day. Gather your list of questions. Our home care assistance agency’s representative can address any concerns and get you started.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20438325/