The potato is often considered one of the humblest ingredients you can find in your kitchen. It’s a staple in the pantries of people around the world. Potatoes are inexpensive and versatile, making them easy to use in any meal or as a snack. September is National Potato Month, so it’s time to celebrate the delicious potato in all its varieties. Though it might be humble, the potato brings a lot of important nutrients to the table, making it a good option to serve to your aging relative. Below are just a few of the reasons to include potatoes in an older adult’s diet.
High in Nutrients.
Potatoes contain vitamins and nutrients that seniors need to stay healthy. A single 5.2-ounce potato contains 27 mg of vitamin C and 620 mg of potassium. They also contain magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, and folate. It’s important to note that the skin of the potato contains many of the nutrients. Therefore, when you peel potatoes, they lose some of their nutritional value.
Low in Calories.
Potatoes are low in calories, so they can make a filling and nutritious side item or snack without adding a lot of extra calories. A 5.2-ounce potato is only 110 calories. Of course, how you prepare the potato makes a difference in the calorie count. Frying potatoes in oil or butter increases their calorie count. And, if you add toppings, like butter and sour cream, you’ll also increase the calories.
Gluten Free.
If your family member is on a gluten-free diet, potatoes are a food they can eat. They are naturally gluten free and can be used as a substitute for other foods that contain gluten. For example, you could replace the tortilla chips in nachos with potato slices. Or, use crispy cubes of potato in place of croutons in salads and soups.
No Sodium, Cholesterol, or Fat.
Potatoes don’t contain any of the bad things you might be trying to avoid in the senior’s diet. There’s no sodium, so they are a good option for people trying to reduce sodium and lower their blood pressure. And, since there is no cholesterol or fat, they are also a good option for people seeking to lower cholesterol levels.
If your older family member likes potatoes, a home care provider can help them to include more in their daily meals. Home care providers can drive the senior to the grocery store to purchase potatoes and other food items. The home care provider can also carry the heavy grocery bags into the house. If your aging relative doesn’t enjoy cooking or isn’t able to cook, a home care provider can cook for them and clean up the kitchen afterward.
If you or an aging loved one needs home care in Carmichael, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280579.php
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-potatoes
https://www.potatogoodness.com/nutrition/
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