On a sunny day, Chen Liang, a middle-aged man in his fifties who had maintained a fairly good figure, was sitting at the dining table ready to eat lunch. (Editor: Lubei)
When the family brought a plate of fried kidney flowers, he immediately showed a look of displeasure.
"Oh, how are animal offal? Isn't it said that eating these things is bad for your health? And it always feels unclean. Chen Liang shook his head and said.
His wife, Chen Yi, a housewife who pays attention to healthy eating, looked at him with a smile: "Don't worry, listen to me explain to you slowly."
Animal offal isn't always bad, and some are even very nutritious. ”
In the world of wellness, animal offal has always been a controversial topic.
Many people avoid them because they are high in fat, cholesterol, and may even be "unclean". However, this view is actually biased.
As an ingredient, animal offal, as long as it is handled properly, can not only provide rich nutrition, but also add a lot of flavor to our table.
01
Did you know that animal offal is actually a cornucopia of nutrients. The liver, for example, is rich in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
These nutrients are essential for maintaining our vision, immunity, nervous system function, and more. Moreover, the liver is also quite rich in protein, making it a good source of high-quality protein.
The kidneys are the "big players" of selenium, a trace element with antioxidant effects that is important for protecting our cells from oxidative stress.
In addition, the kidneys are rich in nutrients such as zinc and B vitamins, which are indispensable for our health.
02
When it comes to animal offal, the first thing that comes to many people's minds is "high fat and high cholesterol". However, this is not the case.
Although it is true that some internal organs such as the brain and kidneys are higher in fat and cholesterol, this is not the case for all internal organs.
For example, chicken gizzards, hairy tripe and other parts are relatively low in fat, and they are also rich in high-quality protein and other nutrients, which are beneficial to our health when eaten in moderation.
03
Many people think that animal offal is "unclean", mainly because they are worried that they will contain harmful substances such as toxins or heavy metals. However, such worries are unnecessary.
First of all, the main function of organs such as the liver is detoxification and metabolism, and they do not store toxins.
As long as we buy offal products that are quarantine-qualified, respositely sourced, and thoroughly washed and cooked, we can ensure that they are safe for consumption.
Of course, eating animal offal is not entirely risk-free. Due to the high purine content in the internal organs, patients with hyperuricemia and gout should try to avoid or consume small amounts.
In addition, the amount of vitamin A in the internal organs is also relatively high, and excessive intake may lead to vitamin A toxicity.
Therefore, we must pay attention to the appropriate amount when eating offal and do not be greedy.
04
Now, let's take a look at which offal are recommended!
Liver (pork liver, chicken liver, etc.): The liver is a "treasure trove" of nutrients, especially rich in nutrients such as vitamin A and iron. Moderate consumption can help protect eyesight, prevent iron deficiency anemia, etc.
However, it should be noted that the vitamin A content in the liver is high, so it is advisable to eat it once a week with no more than 50 grams each time.
Chicken gizzards: Chicken gizzards are the stomach of chickens, which are relatively low in fat and high in protein. It is also rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, and when consumed in moderation can help boost physical strength, improve immunity, and more.
Hairy tripe: Hairy belly is the petal stomach of cattle, which is delicious and nutritious. It is rich in high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals, especially high in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Moderate consumption can help replenish calcium, prevent osteoporosis, etc.
Chicken heart: Chicken heart is rich in protein, fat, vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. Moderate consumption can help protect heart function, enhance physical strength, and more. However, it should be noted that the fat content of chicken hearts is relatively high, and you should pay attention to the appropriate amount when eating.
Kidneys (pig kidneys, etc.): Kidneys are rich in nutrients such as selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. Moderate consumption helps protect kidney function, improve immunity, etc. However, the cholesterol content in the kidneys is high, and patients with hyperlipidemia should consume it with caution.
In short, animal offal is not a flood beast, as long as we understand their characteristics and learn to choose and eat them scientifically, they can become a part of our healthy diet.
Of course, no matter what the food is, moderation is key. I hope that everyone can enjoy a healthy life according to their physical condition and needs!