You can make your nursing home menus more delicious and nutritious by adding avocados.
Avocados sometimes get a bad rap due to their high-fat content, but the flavorful fruit is actually a nutritious choice for older adults. In fact, thanks to their many health benefits, they are widely considered to be a top superfood for seniors.
Registered dietitians like using this superfood in nursing home menus and, after learning more about how this tasty fruit can benefit older adults, you may want to follow their advice.
No. 1: Avocados Are Nutrient-Dense
Avocados are packed with nutrients. A single serving provides a substantial amount of nearly 20 vitamins and minerals beneficial to senior health, including vitamin B5, vitamin K, iron and potassium.
No. 2: Avocados Are Heart-Healthy
Avocado is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids. Older adults who consume more of these good-for-you fats can lower their LDL cholesterol and improve their heart health.
No. 3: Avocados Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Arthritis is a common problem among older adults living in care centers and nursing homes. Avocado contains phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and other strong anti-inflammatory agents that can help fight arthritis inflammation.
No. 4: Avocados Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Thanks to the fruit’s high levels of monounsaturated fat and soluble fiber – and low amounts of carbohydrates and sugar — eating avocados can help stop insulin resistance and keep blood sugar levels steady.
No. 5: Avocados Help Control Blood Pressure
Ounce for ounce, an avocado contains more potassium than a banana. Potassium helps keep blood pressure at a healthy level by blunting the negative effects of salt.
No. 6: Avocados Promote Healthy Digestion
Eating more avocado can benefit the digestive health of seniors at nursing homes. The fiber in the fruit helps encourage regular bowel movements and keeps the digestive system on track.
No. 7: Avocados Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Cancer affects many older adults, and avocados may reduce the risk of certain cancers. The combination of healthy fats and phytochemicals, along with the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, has been shown to decrease the chance of developing the disease.
With all of these health benefits, it’s no wonder avocado is considered a superfood for seniors. And, since the fruit is both flavorful and versatile, the options for incorporating it into your nursing home menus are seemingly endless.
For an easy source of dietitian-approved recipes, turn to Grove Menus. Our suite of user-friendly food service tools is designed to make it simple to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients and create nutritious and delicious meals and snacks for older adults.
To learn more about the Grove Menus meal planning program, or to schedule a complimentary demonstration of our software system helps create nursing home menus, contact us today.