Elderly people should actively engage in health maintenance based on their own conditions. In addition, they should pay attention to a healthy diet and eat suitable fruits. Next, let me introduce several types of fruits that are suitable for the elderly!
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and carotenoids. As is well known, carotenoids are components that play an important role in human health. The orange network contains a vitamin called "rutin," which can maintain the normal elasticity and density of blood vessels, reduce the brittleness and permeability of the blood vessel walls, and prevent capillary bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage in patients with high blood pressure, and retinal hemorrhage in diabetic patients. For people who have a tendency to bleed, especially the elderly with a tendency to vascular sclerosis, eating the orange network is even more beneficial.
The minerals contained in citrus fruits are highest in calcium, and the phosphorus content also exceeds that of rice. The peel, core, and network of citrus are famous traditional Chinese medicines. Regular consumption of citrus can prevent scurvy and night blindness. However, although citrus fruits are delicious, they should not be eaten in excess.
2. Mangosteen
Mangosteen is rich in protein and lipids, which have a good nourishing effect on the body. It is also very beneficial for conditioning people who are weak, malnourished, or recovering from illness. The mangosteen pulp contains 16.8% soluble solids, 0.63% citric acid, as well as other vitamins B1, B2, C4 and minerals. It has the effect of reducing dryness, cooling, and relieving heat. Therefore, mangosteen is not only delicious but also has the effect of reducing internal heat, which can counteract the heatiness of durian. In addition, mangosteen is rich in protein and lipids, which have a good nourishing effect on the body. It is also very beneficial for conditioning people who are weak, malnourished, or recovering from illness.
When selecting mangosteen, be sure to pay attention to the color of the bracts at the base of the fruit. The greener the bracts, the fresher the mangosteen. If the color turns brown or black, it means the mangosteen has been stored for a long time and is not fresh.
3. Mulberry
Mulberry is sweet and juicy, and is one of the fruits people often eat. Ripe mulberries are oily, with a sweet and sour taste, and those that are large, fleshy, dark red, and high in sugar are considered the best. They are harvested annually from April to June when the fruit is ripe, washed, cleaned of impurities, and then dried in the sun or slightly steamed before being sun-dried for consumption. Mulberries contain large amounts of water, carbohydrates, various vitamins, carotene, and essential trace elements for the human body. They can effectively expand the blood volume of the human body and are nourishing without being greasy, making them suitable for dietary therapy for patients with high blood pressure and gynecological diseases.
Mulberries can improve blood supply to the skin (including the scalp), nourish the skin, make the skin fair and delicate, and help blacken hair. They can also delay aging. Mulberries are an excellent fruit and remedy for the middle-aged and elderly to strengthen their bodies, beautify their appearance, and fight aging. Regular consumption of mulberries can improve eyesight and relieve symptoms of eye fatigue and dryness.
4. Apple
The apple is known as the "fruit of wisdom" and the "fruit of memory." Eating more apples can improve memory and enhance intelligence. Apples are rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential nutrients for the brain, especially rich in zinc, which can produce antibodies and improve the body's immune system. At the same time, apples also have the effect of lowering cholesterol content. Eating apples can reduce the cholesterol content in the blood, increase bile secretion and bile acid function, thus preventing cholesterol from precipitating in the bile to form gallstones. Apples are nutritionally comprehensive and easily digested and absorbed by the human body, making them very suitable for the middle-aged, elderly, and sick people.
People who eat more apples have a much lower chance of catching a cold than those who do not eat or eat few apples. Therefore, some scientists and doctors call apples "all-round healthy fruits" or "general practitioners." In spring, when air pollution is more serious, eating more apples can improve the respiratory system and lung function, protecting the lungs from the effects of dust and smoke in the air.
5. Jujube (Chinese Date)
The vitamin content of jujubes is extremely rich, earning them the name "natural vitamin pill." Its vitamin C content is 10 times higher than that of citrus fruits and 80 times higher than that of apples. Its vitamin P content is also extremely rich. In addition, jujubes are also rich in protein and inorganic salts that the human body cannot do without, such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Since ancient times, the working people of our country have regarded jujubes as important tonic foods and traditional Chinese medicines. Modern medicine shows that jujubes have the effects of moistening the heart and lungs, lowering blood pressure, nourishing the five internal organs, and treating deficiency and damage. Long-term use can replenish the middle and benefit qi, and make the body light and prolong life.
Although jujubes can be eaten regularly, it is best not to eat more than 20 at a time. Eating too much can damage digestive function and cause constipation. Eating too many jujubes can cause excessive stomach acid and bloating. Rotten jujubes, under the action of microorganisms, can produce fruit acid and methanol. Eating rotten jujubes can cause poisoning reactions such as dizziness and vision impairment. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, so special attention must be paid.
6. Pineapple
Pineapple contains a substance called "bromelain," which can break down proteins, dissolve fibrin and blood clots blocked in tissues, improve local blood circulation, and eliminate inflammation and edema. The sugars, salts, and enzymes contained in pineapple have a diuretic effect, and appropriate consumption is beneficial for patients with nephritis and high blood pressure. Through medical research, since ancient times, humans have often relied on the bromelain contained in pineapple to relieve symptoms of sore throat and cough. Pineapple peel is rich in bromelain and has rich medicinal value. According to experiments by foreign experts over more than 20 years, long-term consumption of pineapple peel significantly reduces the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes, and has a certain anti-cancer effect.
Soaking pineapple in salt water before eating can also decompose some of its organic acids in the salt water, removing the sour taste and making the pineapple sweeter to eat. It can also be boiled in water before eating. The taste is also improved after boiling. Pineapple should not be eaten in large quantities each time, as excessive consumption is harmful to the stomach and intestines.
7. Strawberry
Strawberries are nutritious, containing fructose, sucrose, citric acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. In addition, they also contain a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is very abundant. Every 100 grams of strawberries contains 60 milligrams of vitamin C. The carotene contained in strawberries is an important substance for synthesizing vitamin A and has the effect of improving eyesight and nourishing the liver. Strawberries also contain pectin and rich dietary fiber, which can help digestion and promote bowel movements.
Modern medical research believes that strawberries have a certain nourishing and regulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract and anemia. In addition to preventing scurvy, strawberries also have a good effect on preventing and treating arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The vitamins and pectin in strawberries have a certain effect on improving constipation and treating hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia.