Should Your Parent Join the Pumpkin Craze?

By James Bennett | November 21, 2018 |

The crisp fall weather brings colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and, of course, all things pumpkin. You can hardly step into a store without seeing dozens of pumpkin flavored items. Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin latte, and even pumpkin cream cheese. It’s everywhere. But, is pumpkin a healthy food? Should you encourage your elderly parent to enjoy those fall pumpkin treats or stay away from them?

Homecare in Duncan SC: Join the Pumpkin Craze?

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a kind of squash that has many health benefits. It’s low in calories, but packs in a number of vitamins and minerals. And, you can use more than just the orange flesh. The seeds, leaves, and juice all have lots of nutritional benefits. Some of the specific health benefits of pumpkin are:

Fiber: Pumpkin contains lots of fiber, which has digestive benefits. In addition, the fiber in pumpkin may help if your parent needs to lose a little weight. That’s because fiber takes longer to digest, so it keeps the body feeling full longer.

Heart Health: In addition to fiber, pumpkin contains potassium and vitamin C. All of these nutrients help to support heart health. In fact, increasing potassium intake has been linked to lowering blood pressure.

Better Vision: The orange color in pumpkin comes from the beta-carotene in them. Inside the body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is good for eye health.

Stronger Immune System: The vitamin A and vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system so that it is better able to fight off illness.

Skin Health: Pumpkin pulp can be used to soothe and exfoliate skin. To make a pumpkin mask, mix a quarter cup of pureed pumpkin with an egg and a tablespoon each of honey and milk. Smooth it over your parent’s face and wait 20 minutes before rinsing it away with warm water. It’s a great way to treat your mom to a pampering facial at home!

A Word of Caution About Pumpkin Treats

Although pumpkin itself has a lot of health benefits, older adults should still be careful about consuming too many pumpkin treats. Many fall pumpkin-flavored favorites are made with lots of sugar and fat. So, be sure to read nutrition labels and offer treats in moderation.

One way your parent can enjoy healthier pumpkin treats is to make them at home where healthier ingredients can be substituted for unhealthy ones. Home care can help older adults to make pumpkin goodies at home. Home care providers can assist with cutting up fresh pumpkin, which might be too hard for aged hands to manage. Home care providers can also lift heavy pans, stir stiff batter, and assist with getting baked goods safely in and out of the oven.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Duncan, SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

https://www.webmd.com/

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James Bennett

Owner at Upsate Home Care Solutions

James Bennett is a native of Taylors, SC. A graduate of Riverside High School, he attended Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Packing Science. Upon graduation, he commenced on a career path in food manufacturing with Nestle Frozen Foods (1999 – 2008) and Country Fresh, Inc. (2008 – 2011). When James was only 12, his father, at the age of 37, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).With both an ailing father and a grandmother suffering from several medical conditions, James Bennett and his family were able to unify and provide their loved ones with the home care they needed. Their family structure and consistent schedule were key aspects in providing care. Unfortunately, not all families have the structure, resources, or flexibility to provide the home care their loved one desires. James understands the difficulties families and caregivers encounter while providing and caring for loved ones. A loving son, husband, and father who understands the need to help families, James created Upstate Home Health Care Solutions, LLC in 2011 to fill in the gap for families who need caring individuals to assist with a loved one’s home care needs.

• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program participant 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce MBA Excellence Award Recipient 2017
• Featured on the cover Upstate Business Journal June 2016
• Community Works Economic Impact Award 2016
• Board Member of Ten at the Top (TATT) and Fire Pit Ranch (FPR)
• Member of Upstate Senior Network, Greenville & Spartanburg Chapters
• Member of the Healthcare division of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Better Business Bureau
• Staff member of Palmetto Boys State sponsored by the American Legion
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.