Autumn days are here again. And with it, comes sweater weather, cool, crisp air, and pumpkin spice season. We all savor this time of year for the rich foods, flavors, and spices that are symbolic of the fall holidays. But did you know that our favorite fall flavor can have significant health benefits in addition to tasting delicious. Pumpkin can be especially beneficial for the senior population who may suffer from mineral and nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and chronic aches and pains. 

At Wesley Enhanced Living Upper Moreland, our culinary department curates a menu of seasonal and nutritious options that are healthy, delicious, and satisfy all our residents’ seasonal cravings! 

Why Seniors Should Incorporate Pumpkin into Their Diet This Fall

Pumpkin has become a staple flavor around many households during the fall season, but there’s more important reasons for seniors to enjoy the seasonal fruit than just it’s mainstream appeal. 

  1. Provides lots of nutrients: For many seniors, they might find that it becomes difficult to ensure that their body receives all the minerals and nutrients that it needs through food alone. Luckily, pumpkin is one fruit that contains many important nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C, which aids in strengthening your immune system to fight off colds and flus. Other nutrients that pumpkin provides is zinc, potassium, niacin, iron, copper, and many other minerals and antioxidants that promote brain health and enhance your mood and energy levels. 
  2. Lowers blood pressure: Many seniors suffer from cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and high blood pressure. By eating more foods with pumpkin, seniors will discover that the fruit is rich with magnesium, which is a vital mineral for controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
  3. Boosts eye health: As we age, our eye health may start to decline, and we may start suffering from diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Seniors can be proactive in preventing such diseases by eating more pumpkin, which is a great source for beta-carotene and vitamin A and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. All of which, are essential nutrients for not only good eye health and vision but are also vital for preventing cataracts and slowing macular degeneration. 
  4. Promotes weight loss: Seniors that may want to lose weight can do so with more pumpkin in their meals. This is because pumpkin is known to support weight loss efforts since it contains fiber, which helps slow digestion and enhances satiety, helping to keep you feeling fuller longer. Pumpkin is also a low-calorie food, which means you can eat more of it, but still take in fewer calories and you’ll feel fuller eating it than you would with other foods. 
  5. Reduces the risk of Cancer: Studies have shown that people with higher intakes of nutrients like alpha-carotene and beta-carotene had significantly lower risk of cancers like stomach, throat, pancreas, breast, and other cancers. Pumpkin is high in carotenoids and vitamin K, both of which have been connected to fighting off certain cancers. 

Savor Seasonal Flavors at Wesley Enhanced Living 

There are many reasons why our residents love dining at Wesley Enhanced Living Upper Moreland! Both our Cornerstone Restaurant and Pub/ Bistro offer a unique ambiance and menu that satisfies everyone’s needs and desires. However, not only do our menus provide nutritious, fresh options but our culinary department also delivers a daily menu that reflects the cycle of the seasons, so there’s sure to be delicious pumpkin-inspired dishes incorporated in our menu this fall. Find out why our seniors love it here by choosing from our independent living, personal care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing options. Give us a call today to find out which option may work best for you.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones.  Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.