Bonnie Mulligan
We all know that fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet. But as we get older, consuming fresh produce becomes even more important. When we take advantage of seasonal offerings in the grocery store or partake in the products created by juice makers, we’re adding in essential vitamins and other nutrients that can keep us healthy for the long haul. In elder care, having a fresh orange juice machine or juice bar equipment can make a huge difference for residents. The benefits of juicing are too positive to ignore.
Why Commercial Juice Machines Have a Place in Senior Care
Seniors need to receive the proper nutrition, but medications and health conditions can have a significant effect on the appetites of older adults. Changing tastes and waning appetites can make it difficult for seniors to maintain a balanced diet. But when care centers and hospitals utilize juicers for restaurants and other facilities, ensuring the health and well-being of seniors becomes much easier.
Smoothies and fresh fruit juices can allow seniors to obtain the nutrients and vitamins they need. In fact, because these nutrients are more concentrated in liquid form, they’re easier to get and to digest. And while sugar intake may be a concern for many seniors, there are plenty of juicing options that will not cause sugar levels to spike or will interact poorly with medications. It’s also an excellent way to sneak in nutritious fruits and vegetables that seniors might not otherwise try!
Super Ingredients to Add to Seniors’ Fresh Fruit Juice
Of course, well-liked juicing staples shouldn’t be ignored here. When you use a fresh orange juice machine, remember that a single serving of OJ contains more than 200% of the vitamin C required per day. But citrus fruits aren’t the only components of healthy juices.
Seniors can benefit from the addition of leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or chard in juices because they provide vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, and many other nutrients. Because many seniors are deficient in these vitamins and nutrients, it’s important to concentrate on veggie juicing, too. Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries all contain flavonoids, which can reduce inflammation (as can pineapple!). Avocado provides potassium and vitamin E, as well as monounsaturated fats (which can help seniors absorb nutrients more effectively). Carrots and beets are great for both flavor and color — plus they provide antioxidants and vitamin A. And if you’re able to add yogurt to juices or smoothies, seniors can benefit from better digestion and even more nutrition.
While using fresh orange juice machines and other juicing equipment may often be seen as a young person’s endeavor, the reality is that seniors can benefit greatly from enjoying freshly crafted juices, too. Not only will they get to experience new flavors in a way that is accessible to many, but they’ll also have the opportunity to boost essential nutrients. To find out more about how our juice machines can help set your facility apart and serve your residents, contact us today.