4 Facts About Fruit & Vegetable Consumption, According To Home Care Experts

Doctors have long touted the importance of eating a balanced diet, with special emphasis placed on fruits and vegetables. Growing up, we learned to eat off the food pyramid and were constantly reminded at school of how important a well-balanced diet is. But when you get older, do the same rules apply? According to Health.gov, eating lots of fruits and veggies can help you fight back against chronic illnesses, something that become more and more common as you get older. Home care specialists share 4 of the most important facts about vegetable and fruit consumption when it comes to elderly individuals.

Fiber, fiber, fiber

We’ve long heard about the benefits of consuming enough fiber, but seniors should be especially diligent about doing this. Eating fruits, vegetables and legumes that are high in fiber can help fight back against the risk of heart disease and can help seniors regulate their digestive system and prevent constipation.

Pick out different colors

Sure, picking out leafy green vegetables is a sure way to ensure that you’re eating healthy food, but home care specialists like to remind people that picking out a variety of different-colored fruits and vegetables helps you get the right amount of all the nutrients you need. Leafy greens are packed with Vitamin C, while red and orange vegetables like carrots and tomatoes are filled with Vitamin A. Both are necessary for a healthy diet.

How big is a serving of fruit?

You know that you need fruits and vegetables every day, but how much are you supposed to eat? Home care specialists say that a serving is about as much as you can fit in one hand. Depending on your age and how much exercise you are getting, you should aim to eat anywhere between 5-13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

But what if I don’t like fruits or vegetables?

Face it - no matter how many times we are told of the health benefits, some of us just aren’t fans of fruits and vegetables and need a little extra help when it comes to eating them. Home care specialists say that adding fruits or vegetables to dishes you already enjoy is a great way to get your nutrients without sacrificing taste. Try adding strawberries to your favorite pancake mix or grab a couple extra veggies to throw into your omelet next time. By adding healthy ingredients to food, we already like, it makes it a lot easier to consume the right amount each day.