Lao Yang has reached middle age, his figure is slightly fat, and he always wears a pair of glasses that look a little old. Every evening, he would sit at the dining table, and there would always be a plate of braised pork with bright color and aroma in front of him.
He picked up a piece of trembling fat meat with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, and the aroma of fat and satisfaction instantly filled his mouth.
However, a recent physical examination was a wake-up call for Lao Yang. The doctor told him seriously that his blood lipids were high and he needed to pay attention to his diet, especially to eat less fatty meat. After Lao Yang heard this, his heart tightened.
In the evening, Lao Yang walked in the community as usual and met Lao Lu, an old classmate he hadn't seen for many years. Lao Lu looked refreshed and kept in good shape. The two exchanged a few words, and Lao Lu noticed the physical examination report in Lao Yang's hand, so he asked with concern.
When he learned about Lao Yang's condition, Lao Lu did not warn him as harshly as a doctor, but talked about his eating experience lightly.
"Actually, it's not that fatty meat can't be eaten. Lao Lu said. (Editor: Liu Yan)
"The Yellow Emperor's Neijing" once mentioned that "five grains are nourishing, five fruits are helping, five animals are beneficial, and five vegetables are abundant", which tells us that dietary diversity is an indispensable cornerstone of human health.
However, time flies, and time flies. When we enter the threshold of modern society, with the rapid development of science and technology and the significant improvement of living standards, people's eating habits have also undergone earth-shaking changes.
Fatty meat, once considered a precious delicacy, is now commonplace on the table. But what followed was controversy and questioning about the health value of fatty meat.
Are people who eat fatty meat a model of longevity or a warning of short-livedness?
01
When we think of fatty meat, the first thing that comes to mind is often that thick layer of white fat.
Indeed, fatty meat is rich in fat, which, in moderate amounts, is an indispensable source of energy for the human body. It provides us with the fuel we need for our daily activities, helps us maintain our body temperature, and protects our internal organs.
However, just as there are two sides to a coin, fat in fat is also a double-edged sword.
When we consume too much fat, especially saturated fat, it can quietly build up in our blood vessels, increasing blood viscosity and blocking the normal flow of blood. In the long run, health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia may come to the door.
But fat isn't all about the bad side. In fact, fatty meat also contains a beneficial ingredient known as monounsaturated fatty acids. This fatty acid helps to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and raise the proportion of good cholesterol, thus protecting our cardiovascular health to a certain extent.
In addition, fatty meat is also rich in B vitamins and certain essential minerals, which are essential for maintaining the normal physiological functions of the human body.
Therefore, the relationship between fat and health is not simply black and white.
It has both potential risks and its unique nutritional value. The key is how we ingest and use it wisely. By eating fatty meat in moderation, with a balanced diet and moderate exercise, we can take care of our health while enjoying delicious food.
02
In the process of exploring the mystery of fat and health, we inevitably touch on another hot topic: which is healthier to eat meat or vegetarian for a long time?
As an important part of the human diet, the status of meat is unshakable. Meat is rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients. These nutrients are essential for maintaining the health of our muscles, bones, and immune system.
In addition, meat provides us with abundant energy that helps us cope with various challenges in our daily lives.
However, in recent years, with the increase in health awareness, more and more people have begun to turn to vegetarianism. They believe that a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines, and contribute to environmental protection and animal protection.
Indeed, vegetarian diets are rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, which all help maintain our health.
But eating meat and being vegetarian for a long time is not only an advantage but not a disadvantage. Excessive meat intake may lead to health problems such as obesity and hyperlipidemia, while a long-term vegetarian diet may lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, etc.
Therefore, we cannot simply assume that one way of eating is the best. Everyone's physical condition, living environment and eating habits are different, and we should choose a suitable diet according to our actual situation.
03
After understanding the relationship between fatty meat and health and the long-term controversy between eating meat and vegetarianism, it is not difficult to conclude that the key to a healthy diet is balance and moderation. Here are some specific suggestions:
Moderate intake of fatty meat: Fatty meat is not a predator, and moderate intake can provide the body with necessary energy and nutrients. However, we should pay attention to controlling the intake and frequency to avoid the health problems caused by excessive intake.
Meat and vegetarian combinations: In our daily diet, we should pay attention to the combination of meat and vegetables to ensure that we consume enough vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This can provide us with rich nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, which can help maintain gut health and boost immunity.
Choose healthy cooking methods: Cooking styles also have a big impact on health. We should try to choose low-oil, low-salt, and low-sugar cooking methods, such as steaming, boiling, stewing, etc. Avoid high-calorie, high-fat cooking methods such as frying and frying.
This not only reduces nutrient loss in food, but also reduces the risk of consuming too much fat and salt.
Maintain dietary diversity: Dietary diversity is the foundation of a healthy diet. We should try to consume a variety of different kinds of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds of various colors. This ensures that we are getting a complete set of nutrients to meet the body's various needs.
Eventually, we get back to the heart of healthy eating – balance and moderation. Only by seeking balance in our diet, focusing on the full intake of nutrients, while controlling how we consume and cook food, can we truly achieve the goal of healthy eating.
So, let's put aside the prejudices and misconceptions about fatty meat and take a scientific look at its place in the diet. Let's choose a diet that suits us and take care of our health while enjoying our food.
Remember, health is not an end in itself, but an attitude to life. Only by finding the true meaning of health in a balanced and harmonious diet can we truly embrace the good life.