Incorporate fresh produce into your diet to help nourish your body and mind!

As the days get warmer, more fresh produce will start to appear in local markets and grocery stores near you. And here at Stone Valley Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living, we encourage you to take advantage of all of the health benefits they offer! That is why our expert team has compiled this list of top 5 fruits and vegetables, and their added health benefits, for you to incorporate into you and your loved one’s diet this season!

Tomatoes

Is there a more quintessential summer vegetable than the tomato? With hundreds of varieties and even more ways to enjoy them, we think they should be in everyone’s rotation this summer. Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Whether you enjoy them on a sandwich or burger, prepare a fresh salad with them, or eat them whole as a snack, you’ll get the incredible benefits of these delicious summer treats.

Carrots

Carrots are another great nutrient-rich vegetable to add into your diet this summer. Along with antioxidants, which are great for heart health, carrots also contain lots of Vitamin A which is a key contributor to long-term eye health and immune function. There have also been studies conducted that suggest that carrots can help lower cholesterol when added into your diet. Here are a few ways we recommend adding them to your diet:

• Try having them as a snack with rich, delicious hummus.
• Add them to a salad for color and crunch.
• Incorporate them into a soup (soups are a great way to add lots of vegetables to your diet, which is why our Executive Chef prepares a variety of soups for our residents).

Kale

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables there is, containing high levels of necessary antioxidants like beta-carotene (which improves brain function) and vitamin C. In addition, kale also contains many other necessary vitamins with high levels of vitamin K, and it actually contains something called bile acid sequestrants. These can help lower cholesterol, which could help prevent heart disease. While the health benefits are abundant, you may still be hesitant to add kale into your diet based on its reputation for not being very tasty, but don’t let that deter you! There are so many delicious options, be sure to check out this source on ​​How to Cook Kale.

Fresh Berries

Summer is the season of fresh berries, and these little powerhouses are both delicious and nutritious. Berries like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are low in sugar and high in vitamins and nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C. They make the perfect addition to smoothies, salads, and desserts. And of course, you can always enjoy them as a standalone snack. To beat the heat, try freezing your berries before you eat them. You can even add the frozen berries to smoothies and summer drinks instead of ice!

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great vegetable to incorporate into your diet! Packed with antioxidants and minerals, broccoli is a great source of fiber and can even aid in regulating blood sugar. Broccoli can also improve brain function and slow cognitive decline. The vitamin C in broccoli is great for immune support. Some research shows that the bioactive compounds in broccoli may protect against harmful UV rays and could help prevent skin cancer–what a benefit for summer!

Fresh produce is not only delicious, but has many health-promoting benefits. And with so much produce in season, there’s no better time than summer! Our Executive Chef has been taking advantage of all of the seasonal produce to prepare delicious, healthy meals for our senior residents. With our 24/7 dining program, our residents can enjoy these seasonal treats at any time of day or night!

To learn more about our Reno senior memory care residence or to schedule a tour of Stone Valley, contact our friendly team today.

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