Guide to choose fruit for the elderly

Today, let's talk about eating fruit. Different from young people, the elderly have a weaker digestion and absorption function, and they may also suffer from chronic diseases. Under these special physical conditions, what kind of fruits should the elderly choose to enhance their health? 

 

First of all, fruit is not just a snack.

 

Fruit is an important source of vitamins and minerals for the human body. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents, adults need to eat 200-350g of fruit every day as an important part of a healthy diet. However, the fruit intake of many elderly people is far below the standard.

 

Due to the weakened digestive function, some elderly people may experience abdominal discomfort after eating fruit, which in turn makes them reluctant to eat fruit. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the freshness of the fruit and no microorganisms or pesticide residues to avoid upsetting their stomach. Fruit taken from the refrigerator can be soaked in warm water for 5-10 minutes before being served to the elderly. In addition, they can also take some probiotics to regulate the digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract.

 

The failing chewing function of some elderly people makes it hard for them to eat fruit. In this case, they can choose to drink fruit juice, and it is better to use a blender to retain more dietary fiber in fruit.

 

What to look out when choosing fruit for the elderly?

 

1.Most citrus fruits, such as pomelos and blood oranges, contain furacoumarin, which will slow down the metabolism of antihypertensive medicines in the liver and may lead to hypotension. Therefore, patients who take long-term antihypertensive medications should avoid eating citrus fruits.

 

2.Elderly people suffering from heart disease and edema should reduce intake of watermelon, coconut and other fruits with high water content to avoid aggravating the burden of the heart and edema.

 

3.Elderly people with diabetes should prioritize low-glycemic fruits, such as oranges, pomelos, plums, peaches, pears and apples, in their fruit choice. At the same time, they should strictly control the intake of fruits, reduce the intake of staple foods and monitor blood sugar.