Health Benefits of Pecans during National Georgia Pecan Month

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means that you might be thinking about the menus for all of the festive seasonal meals that your family will enjoy. There are some ingredients that immediately come to mind when you are thinking of these meals, and as a family caregiver you know how important it is that you think not just of the delicious flavors of these ingredients, but also their impact on your parent’s health. November is National Georgia Pecan Month. This is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about the potential health benefits of this traditional holiday ingredient so that you can feel better integrating it into more of your family’s festive meals and snacks from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Some of the health benefits of pecans during National Georgia Pecan Month and throughout the rest of the holiday season and even the year, include:

• Dietary fiber. These nuts are a tasty and satisfying source of dietary fiber. This essential nutrient promotes good digestion and also helps to reduce blood cholesterol. Fiber creates a full feeling that lasts, meaning that your loved one will be able to control their cravings and may reduce their urge to reach for unhealthy snacks.
• Unsaturated fat. While many people shy away from the fat in nuts, the fat in pecans is unsaturated. This healthy source of fat is essential to normal functioning in the body, absorption of many vitamins and minerals, and sustained energy.
• Antioxidants. According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, pecans are the tree nut with the highest level of antioxidants and among the top 15 antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants prevent cell damage through the destruction of free radicals, protecting the body and promoting better health and prevention of serious concerns such as cancer.
• Protein. Protein is a critical nutrient the body needs for wound healing, tissue growth and replacement, and sustained energy. Pecans are a fantastic choice for a quick dose of protein, especially for those who do not eat meat.

If you have been looking for ways to help your aging parent maintain a healthier diet and live a better lifestyle, starting senior care for them might be the ideal option for you. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a schedule that is right for their individual needs as well as the care efforts that you put forth for them. This means that you can feel confident they are getting everything that they need even when you are not able to be with them. When it comes to helping them eat a healthier diet consistently, this care provider can give your aging parent safe and reliable transportation to the grocery store, assist them in selecting foods that are right for them, and even get into the kitchen and help them with meal preparation to make it easier for them to eat a diet that nourishes their body and helps it thrive.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Collegeville, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.