Menus for seniors get healthier when you add peanut butter.
Peanut butter isn’t just for kids. The tasty spread makes for a healthy addition to menus for seniors in residential care centers and nursing homes.
In celebration of National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, adult care facilities may want to stock up on this beloved snack. Peanut spread is an affordable ingredient that’s easy to incorporate into menus for seniors, and the research confirms the health benefits of consuming this tasty spread.
Peanut Butter is Packed with Nutrition
Peanut spread is an excellent source of protein, with about 8 grams per 2-tablespoon serving. But, you might not be aware of just how much of nutritional punch this powerhouse packs.
Research shows that consuming peanut products can boost the body’s levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, magnesium and a wealth of other hard-to-get nutrients. Pairing the spread with other healthy foods also allows the body to absorb more nutrients. And, it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber and phytosterols.
Peanut Butter in Senior Menus Helps with Weight Management
Peanut spread is relatively calories, which means it can’t be added to liberally to senior menus. However, studies have revealed that, in the right portion, the spread can be helpful with weight management.
Contrary to popular belief, regularly consuming peanut products doesn’t lead to weight gain. According to researchers, diets that are higher in fat can be more fulfilling and easier to follow, which means that maintaining a healthy weight may be easier when peanut spread is on the menu.
Peanut products can be included in senior menus without promoting weight gain. As long as older adults don’t overindulge, enjoying the spread won’t affect a healthy body weight.
Peanut Butter Helps Prevent Disease
This may come as a surprise but research has consistently shown that eating peanuts can help prevent chronic diseases.
Peanut spread has a potent lipid-lowering effect that acts to reduce inflammation, an underlying factor in the triggering of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and countless other diseases and medical conditions. In addition, the superfood has been found to help manage blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke, gallstone disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Thanks to the many health benefits if offers, peanut butter definitely earns its place in menus for seniors in nursing homes and adult care facilities. For nutritious recipes featuring this powerhouse ingredient, look to the Grove Menus meal planning software system.
The user-friendly Grove Menus food menu program tools make meal planning easier and more cost-effective. To learn more, or to schedule a free, no-pressure demonstration of software system helps your food service staff plan healthy menus for seniors, contact us today.
Infographic here:
http://www.peanut-institute.org/images/default_2_909581050.pdf