Delicious and healthy. Juicy and refreshing. We’re talking about cucumbers. During the summer months, you won’t find a better vegetable to eat. They have numerous health properties that make them perfect for the elderly to eat. Below, we have listed for you a couple of reasons why older adults should eat cucumbers.
Why Older Adults Should Eat Cucumbers
Cucumbers Provide Memory Protection
Cucumbers are rich in fisetin which has anti-inflammatory properties that protect brain cells. Back in 2014, a study published in Aging Cell Journal discovered that mice that were fed with fisetin had a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive-related diseases such as dementia.
Cucumbers Lower Blood Pressure
What many people don’t know is that cucumbers contain the same amount of potassium as bananas. What you probably do know is that this nutrient is essential for water and sodium regulation in our bodies. A diet rich in potassium can help you lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease and stroke.
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Cucumbers Promote Weight Loss
Cucumbers are not only delicious, they are also low in calories. Because of this elderly adults can eat as much as they like without the risk of gaining weight. Eating a diet that contains cucumbers can help seniors to avoid obesity and stay away from conditions such as diabetes.
Cucumbers Reduce Cancer Risks
Polyphenols, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and phytonutrients are just some of the antioxidants that you can find in cucumbers. As you know, antioxidants are essential in the prevention of cellular damage. Damaged cells mutate over time into cancer cells and can be fatal for the elderly. Eating a healthy dose of cucumbers can prevent this from happening.
Cucumbers Aid Digestion
Cucumbers contain a lot of soluble and insoluble fiber which is crucial for your digestive system. If seniors consume enough cucumbers, they can avoid conditions such as an upset stomach, bowel disturbance, and bloating. The level of fiber in cucumbers is so high that they can reduce the risk of getting gastrointestinal cancer and other digestive diseases, too.
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