October 5th is National Kale Day

By Marlene Diaz | September 22, 2016 |

Elder Care Seattle WA

You may have heard that Kale, a leafy green, is a superfood. The truth is that kale is one of the healthiest foods you can eat due to its high nutrient content. Has your elder loved one ever tried this healthy vegetable? If not, why not serve it on October 5th, National Kale Day? It is the perfect day to try something new and since kale is in season, it should be widely available and inexpensive at your grocery store or local farmer’s market. If they are reluctant to give kale a try, be sure to tell them about all of its amazing health benefits.

Health Benefits of Kale:

* Kale is a heart-healthy food and eating it can actually help your elder loved one to lower their cholesterol.

* Kale contains anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and manganese. These anti-oxidants help to prevent cell damage which, in turn, can help prevent some types of cancer.

* Kale is rich in vitamin C which can help strengthen your loved one’s immune system. This is especially important for seniors who have weakened immunity due to age.

* Kale is a great source of vitamin A, a nutrient essential to healthy eyesight.

* Kale is an excellent source of fiber which all seniors need in their diet to promote healthy digestion and regularity. Fiber also helps us to feel full after a meal.

* Kale has a low glycemic index, making it a great food choice for those with type 2 diabetes.

* Kale is a non-dairy source of calcium, so it is a wonderful choice for those who are lactose intolerant. Getting plenty of calcium is important for seniors who are losing bone density due to age.

* Kale actually contains protein, a nutrient seniors need every day. If your loved one eats a vegetarian diet or doesn’t eat much meat, serving Kale is a great way to make sure that they get protein in their diet.

Tasty Ways to Serve Kale:

* Kale can be served chopped and raw on a salads, slaws, and sandwiches.

* Try adding sautéed kale to pasta sauce to add nutrients and flavor.

* Cooked kale can also be added to soups and stews.

* Add some sautéed kale to your loved one’s breakfast omelet.

* Bake some kale chips to serve as a crispy snack.

* Add cooked kale to a breakfast frittata.

Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Seattle WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.