Snacks for seniors Elderly people are at an age where the functioning of various organs changes due to the deteriorating physical condition, which may affect their nutritional status, resulting in a high chance of malnutrition. Therefore, taking care of their main meals is important. In addition to the main meals, snacks during the day are equally important because they will help add essential nutrients to the elderly and prevent loss of appetite.
Fruits are one of the first choices that cannot missed for snack menus. That should set on the table waiting for the elderly because there are โปรโมชั่น ufabet many fruits to choose from according to the season. Importantly, they are also a source of many vitamins and minerals. The fruits that are recommend for choosing as snacks for the elderly include:
Apples are a fruit that has a moderate amount of natural sugar and the flesh of the apple is not too hard to chew. It is suitable for people with diabetes and helps control blood sugar levels. It is recommend to cut or mash into small pieces if the elderly have problems chewing.
Avocado is consider a healthy fruit that everyone should know about. The flesh is quite soft, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it also contains lutein, which helps with vision.
There are also many soft, easy-to-chew fruits to choose from, such as papaya, ripe bananas, and oranges, all of which contain vitamins. You should eat at least 1-2 times a day, 6-8 bite-sized pieces each time. For the elderly who are obese or have diabetes. It is recommend to avoid very sweet fruits, such as durian, longan, and jackfruit.
Steamed pumpkin
It is one of the yellow-orange vegetables. It contains beta-carotene which helps nourish the eyes. It contains antioxidants which moisturize the skin and helps reduce the risk of cancer. It has low fat, low sugar, high fiber and low energy. Therefore, it is a snack suitable for the elderly. It helps with the digestive system. In addition to steamed pumpkin, the caregiver may switch to steamed bananas, steamed sweet potatoes or steamed taro to serve as snacks for the elderly.
Ready-to-drink cereal
Nowadays, there are many ready-to-mix powdered cereal beverage products, so they are easy to buy and keep at home. Giving the elderly a hot beverage that contains various cereals, such as black sesame, oatmeal, almonds, rice bran, and various types of beans will help them feel full and get the fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs. It is best to choose a less sweet type.
Popcorn
It is a snack with high fiber. Most elderly people are familiar with this type of snack because it is easy to buy and easy to eat. It makes you feel full for a long time. It has the same antioxidant as fresh corn and other fresh fruits, which is “Polyphenal.” Popcorn with various flavors, sweet, salty, or caramel flavors is not recommend. Because it contains a lot of sodium and sugar. Which have negative effects on the body.