When you think of the quintessential summer fruit, what do you think of? For many, it’s watermelon. A staple for years at family picnics, barbecues, and summer brunches, watermelon is a fruit that is enjoyed by most. July is National Watermelon Month, making it the perfect time for your aging seniors to enjoy some fresh watermelon to celebrate the season with the help of home care providers.
One of the great things about watermelon (besides it being delicious) is that it has many health benefits and those benefits can be especially helpful in assisting your elderly loved one to stay healthy.
Let’s look at some of those healthy perks of enjoying watermelon and then review some easy ways home care services can add watermelon to your loved one’s diet this month.
The Health Benefits of Watermelon
Hydration
Watermelon is more than 90 percent water. That means each bite not only satisfies those taste buds but also helps the body to stay hydrated. And it’s not only water your loved one will receive, it’s electrolytes like potassium as well, making it a great way to stay on top of hydration.
Digestion
The combination of high water content and some fiber means it can help in digestion and elimination. Watermelon also has plant compounds that build good bacteria in the gut, making the digestive tract work more smoothly.
Skin
With age often comes dry and cracking skin as it loses elasticity and moisture. Watermelon can help your loved one have healthier skin by providing vitamins A, C, and B6. Those vitamins can help the skin stay smooth and supple, making cracking and dry skin less likely.
Heart
Watermelon is a great snack for those trying to keep their hearts healthy. Watermelons have the amino acid citrulline, which promotes heart health by aiding in increasing blood flow and decreasing blood pressure.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Watermelon
Those are just a few of the health benefits of watermelon, but what are some unique ways that your loved one can enjoy watermelon? Let’s look at just a few fun options for every meal.
Serve it sliced up with breakfast or brunch.
While cutting a watermelon can be difficult for many elderly with arthritis, having a home care provider help by purchasing (and carrying) a watermelon and then slicing it up into little triangles can ensure it’s ready to be taken out of the fridge at breakfast time to serve alongside a healthy breakfast.
Make a watermelon salad for lunch.
Have your home care provider help make a simple salad of watermelon, feta cheese, and mint for a refreshing lunch that’s packed with health benefits.
Have a watermelon drink on a hot afternoon.
Watermelon juice is easy to make – just put the watermelon in a blender and turn it on. Then, run it through a strainer and cool it in the fridge. A few squeezes of lime can add a little zing to the flavor for a refreshing drink to enjoy all day.
Try some watermelon kabobs for dinner.
Dice some watermelon, put it on a kabob stick with cheese, salty meat, and fresh herbs like mint or arugula, and serve it as a side with some grilled chicken. This is another item your home care provider can make ahead of time so your loved one can simply grab it from the fridge before dinner.
Happy National Watermelon Month. May it be a sweet one!
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in San Diego, CA, please contact the caring staff at La Jolla Nurses Homecare today. Call (858) 454-9339
La Jolla Nurses Homecare is a top provider of home care services in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Point Loma, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Kensington, Coronado, University City, Pacific Beach, and all of San Diego County.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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