What fruits are good for elderly people to eat in summer?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In summer, it is generally good for elderly people to eat fruits such as watermelon, grapes, peaches, waxberries, and mangosteens. Watermelon has a high water content, which can help clear heat and relieve summer heat; its vitamins are also beneficial to the body. Grapes are rich in glucose, which can quickly replenish energy, and their vitamins can also assist in maintaining normal nervous system function.
In summer, it is generally better for elderly individuals to eat fruits such as watermelon, grapes, peaches, bayberries (yangmei), and mangosteens. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Watermelon: Summer weather is hot, causing the elderly to lose body fluids quickly. Watermelon has a high water content, which helps replenish fluids promptly and also has heat-clearing and cooling effects. Its vitamins are beneficial to health, while its dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps prevent constipation in the elderly.
2. Grapes: Grapes are rich in glucose, which can rapidly restore energy. Their vitamin content supports normal nervous system function. Grapes also contain a certain amount of melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. Moderate consumption of grapes by older adults may improve sleep quality and promote restful sleep.
3. Peaches: Peaches are common summer fruits containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, which help slow aging. They are also rich in dietary fiber and pectin, which enhance intestinal movement, helping prevent and relieve constipation—a common issue among the elderly—and maintain smooth bowel function.
4. Bayberries (Yangmei): With their sweet-tart flavor, bayberries can stimulate appetite in the elderly. They have a saliva-producing and thirst-quenching effect, promoting saliva secretion and relieving dry mouth and throat during hot summer days. The dietary fiber in bayberries may also aid intestinal motility and prevent constipation.
5. Mangosteens: Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, mangosteens provide valuable nutrition for the elderly. Being naturally cooling in nature, mangosteens have heat-clearing and fire-reducing properties, which can help alleviate heat-related symptoms (such as "internal heat") that older adults may experience during summer.
It is recommended that elderly individuals consume the above fruits in moderation during summer and avoid excessive intake. Most fruits contain natural sugars, and overconsumption may affect blood sugar stability—especially for seniors with diabetes, who should strictly control portion sizes. Additionally, older adults should ensure adequate water intake to prevent dehydration caused by excessive sweating in summer.
