10 Best Dry Fruits for Senior Citizens
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A poor diet can lead to unforeseen health problems. Some people neglect nutrition thinking being healthy is all about maintaining proper body weight, but there’s more to it.
You will be surprised to learn that only 6.9 percent of the adult population in the US consumes dried fruits. The addition of dry fruits to your diet can make up for the lack of essential nutrients to your diet.
Dried fruits are an excellent alternative to sugary nutrition bars or meal replacement bars. You can carry these affordable superfoods with you on a trek or a camping trip. In this post, I share the best dry fruits for senior citizens.
Here Are The Best Dry Fruits For Senior Citizens
1. Joolies Organic Whole Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are one of the best sources of fiber for seniors with an active lifestyle. These dates are slightly bigger than other variants. And they have a natural sweetness to them and taste a lot like caramel.
The California-grown Joolies dates are lovingly called “uglies ” because of the minor imperfections in their size and shape. Not all dates are created equal.
These dates can be eaten alone as snacks or can be added as an ingredient to smoothies, or milk-based health drinks. They are rich in Potassium, Fiber, Vitamin A, Folate, and Carbohydrates.
Lastly, they have almost no fat in them, which makes them an excellent snack for weight-conscious folks.
2. ALE + WANG Tamarind Original Chews
This Madagascan fruit is one of the best dry fruits for senior citizens who suffer from arthritis pain. According to an article by WebMD, Tamarind is loaded with magnesium and calcium, which is good for bone health.
Tamarind is a tropical fruit but is used extensively as a spice in Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. You can consume it as is, or in a candy form.
The ALE + WANG chews are made from natural dry Tamarinds. One pack contains 15 individually-wrapped Tamarind candies. This product has a small amount of sugar content, but no artificial flavorings have been used.
3. Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Smyrna Turkish Figs
Smyrna Figs were originally grown in the ancient city of Smyrna, now known as İzmir located in western Turkey. At present these Figs are grown all over the world as they are one of the best natural laxatives.
Research done by Ionian University concluded that regular consumption of Figs can help reduce the risk of cancer, and fungal infections.
The Turkish Smyrna Figs by Terrasoul Superfoods come in a 2 lbs pack. Each serving contains 5 grams of dietary fiber and a total of 110 calories. The best time to eat them is early in the morning after a walk.
4. Anna and Sarah Dried Fancy Peaches
Peach is one of those superfoods that can help a senior citizen recover from Vitamin A and Vitamin C deficiency. Finding a good quality fresh Peach can be challenging. This fruit is not available worldwide.
This is where dried Peaches from Anna and Sarah come into the picture. The Anna and Sarah store is known for the best dry fruits. The dried peaches do contain some sugar, but overall, they are a good source of potassium, fluoride, and iron for senior citizens.
These dried peaches are grown and packed on US soil. This product comes in a zipper bag packaging. It is recommended to store the package in the refrigerator if you stay in a hot and humid region.
5. Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Dried Mango Slices
This superfood from Terrasoul is one of the best dry fruits for senior citizens. Everyone loved Mangoes. However, fresh Mangoes may not be available where you stay. Terrasoul brings you a 1-pound pack of dried mango slices.
They import Mangoes from countries where this fruit is typically grown. The package says the Mangoes are imported from Peru, Mexico, and Burkina Faso. They are processed, sliced, and dried in their US-based facility.
6. Fisher Walnut Halves and Pieces
Walnuts are loaded with essential omega-3 fatty acids. Research says the consumption of Walnuts is good for elderly people. This superfood can prevent the development of certain types of cancer and heart disease.
The Fisher walnuts come in small pieces that are easy to eat. You can add these pieces to homemade desserts such as cheesecake, carrot cake, cream pie, apple pie, and much more.
These organically grown walnuts from Fisher do not contain preservatives. They are gluten-free and vegan. Further, these California-grown walnuts are certified by the American Health Association (AHA). You can trust this product.
7. Anna and Sarah Dried Turkish Apricots
Anna and Sarah bring you another dried superfood loaded with antioxidants. The dried Apricots are rich in Potassium, beta carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They are also a good source of protein (3.3 grams per serving).
You can pick from 1-pound, 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound packs. A note of caution: this product contains a small number of Sulphites (preservative) which is considered food allergen.
Note that these dried Apricots are high in sugar. They are even sweeter than fresh Apricots. Needless to mention, seniors with conditions like Diabetes should refrain from eating this fruit.
Otherwise, they are a great source of energy for a healthy senior person. You can eat them before or after a walk. You can also eat them as a midnight snack if you are someone who gets up in the middle of the night craving some food.
8. Ocean Spray Craisins Dried Cranberries
Dried Cranberries are one of the best dry fruits for senior citizens with weak immune systems. This superfood is loaded with the goodness of Vitamin C.
Regular consumption will help boost immunity and you will be able to stay free of sicknesses such as common cold, body pain, and fever.
Snacking on dried cranberries can be beneficial to elderly women as well.
A study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health suggests that the consumption of dried cranberries may reduce urinary tract infection (UTI) incidence in women who suffer from urinary problems.
The Ocean Spray Craisins are quite popular among people of varied ages. You can add them to homemade salads, oatmeal, etc. Or eat them straight from the pack.
9. Oh! Nuts Dried Pineapple Chunks
Pineapple chunks from Oh! Nuts are one of the best dry fruits for senior citizens who like the taste of tropical fruits. These chucks are low in sugar and sodium. They make a great pre and post-workout snack for senior people.
Note that these are not jellies or candies. They are real Pineapple chunks. The Pineapple is chopped into pieces, and then sun-dried until it loses water content. The dehydration is what makes them chewy and crispy.
Furthermore, this product is kosher and pareve certified. You will feel the freshness of this food item the moment you open the pack. The chunks are juicy and delicious.
You can consume these chucks as is, or add them to homemade food items such as muffins, cakes, jams, and puddings. They add a unique tangy flavor to the homemade dishes.
10. NATIERRA Premium Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Dried strawberries are an excellent alternative to nutritional bars. There are several ways to consume this particular superfood. You can eat them as is, add a few slices to the tea, or use them as a garnish for cupcakes.
No matter how you prefer to eat them, they are a healthy snack option for elderly folks.
The premium freeze-dried strawberries from NATIERRA come in a pack of 8. Each pack is 0.7 ounces. Unlike freshly cut strawberry slices, these are crunchy and crispy. These chips are made from top-quality strawberries.
These strawberry chips do not contain added sugar. Also, note that they are not bright red— like fresh strawberries— as they are dehydrated. No artificial color is added to this food item.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The sugar content in the food items discussed in this article is quite low. However, you must refrain from consuming sweetened dry fruits if you are diabetic or overweight. Always consult a geriatric nutritionist if you are unsure about adding a particular food item to your diet.
Some of the food items discussed in this article do need some chewing. For those with weak teeth or gum problems, I recommend eating Dates. Medjool dates have a soft texture and you don’t need to chew a lot before swallowing. Pureed dates tastes great when mixed with skimmed milk.
Packaged dried foods can last up to a year, or more in some cases. You should always check the expiry date before consumption. Other than that, Medjool dates can last up to 6 months when stored in a cool and dry place. If longevity is a concern, I suggest you go for nuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, macadamias, etc.
Yes, you can add them to smoothies. Make sure to remove the seed before adding food items such as Dates to the smoothie.
Dates are one of the best dry fruits for senior citizens with cognitive impairment or other memory problems. Besides, you can also have dried Apricots which are loaded with Vitamin B. Regular consumption of dried Apricots can help deal with the symptoms of cognitive decline resulting from old age.
You can eat these food items whenever you need a boost in energy. Most seniors prefer to eat dried fruits early in the morning— before or after a walk. You can also carry them to work or on a camping trip.
My recommendation
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to dried fruits. But I would pick Medjool dates over others as they offer the most benefits.
Here are some of the benefits :
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Good for skin
- Slows damage to cells
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Great source of energy
You can have them solo, or use them in baking. Some people have also tried adding them to smoothies.
You should consider add suppliments to your diet, if you are feeling tired all day. I wrote an article reviewing the best vitamins on the market. Do check it out.
