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"Have you ever heard that you can't eat pumpkin if you have a bad heart?" In front of a food stall in the city center, Lao Liu nibbled on his roasted corn and told Lao Li next to him about a "doctor's advice" he had recently heard.
Lao Liu is a taxi driver, who shuttles through the streets and alleys of the city all day long, and knows the news and gossip in the city well. Lao Li is a barber, there are many customers in the shop, and there are many stories to hear, and the two hit it off and often discuss these so-called "health taboos" together.
Pumpkin, as a popular vegetable, has a place in many people's diets, but the argument about whether people with heart disease should avoid eating pumpkin is quite confusing. Lao Li touched his chin and said to Lao Liu with a smile: "I have also heard about this, but you have to check it carefully, these days, rumors run faster than the truth." ”
Pumpkin is rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C and other nutrients, making it a heart-healthy food. Foods high in potassium help regulate blood pressure levels in the body, which is a risk factor for heart disease. The β-carotene and other antioxidants in pumpkin reduce the risk of heart disease and protect the health of the cardiovascular system by reducing oxidative stress.
The high content of fiber helps lower blood cholesterol levels, which has been shown to be strongly linked to heart disease rates. Therefore, not only does pumpkin not increase the risk of heart disease, on the contrary, it may also protect the heart through a variety of mechanisms.
During the discussion, Lao Liu and Lao Li decided to ask a doctor for clarification, so they approached Dr. Zhang from the community health center, a specialist in cardiovascular disease.
Listening to their doubts, Dr. Zhang explained with a smile, "Pumpkin is a very healthy food for the vast majority of people, including those with heart disease. Of course, everyone's specific situation is different, and the diet should be adjusted according to the individual's health condition. ”
He reminds them that there are three foods to watch out for: too much salt, foods high in saturated fat, and too much sugar. These are the culprits that increase the burden on the heart and should be avoided as much as possible.
After the meal, both Lao Liu and Lao Li felt that they had benefited a lot, and they decided to popularize these correct dietary concepts in their own circles as well. Dr. Zhang's advice taught them that proper knowledge is the best weapon against rumours.
As the discussion deepened, Dr. Teo also mentioned antioxidant foods. He explained that antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and β-carotene in vegetables and fruits can protect the heart from free radical damage. Free radicals are produced during the body's metabolism and, if not neutralized, can cause cell damage and accelerate the development of heart disease.
In practical nutrition advice, Dr. Zhang recommends that residents build a diverse diet plan that includes rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins, which not only helps heart health, but also improves overall quality of life.
To more visually illustrate the effects of these health concepts, Dr. Teo also shared some of the cases he has followed over the past few years in which many of them have significantly improved their heart health indicators, such as lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, by changing their diet and increasing exercise.
Towards the end of the discussion, one resident asked a specific question: "Dr. Zhang, you mentioned that reducing red meat intake is good for the heart, so does eating red meat occasionally really have a big impact on heart health?"
"Red meat intake in moderation is generally safe for healthy adults, and the key is 'moderate amounts'. Red meat provides high-quality protein and important trace elements such as iron and zinc, which are important for a balanced diet. ”
"The problem, however, lies in the excessive and frequent consumption of high-fat, processed red meat, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It is recommended to consume red meat no more than two to three times a week, no more than three to four ounces at a time, with a preference for lean meats and a try to avoid processed meats such as sausages and bacon. ”
Through this detailed explanation, the community has gained a deeper understanding of how to prevent heart disease through diet, and at the same time realizes that lifestyle changes need to be moderate and scientific, not extreme or blind. Dr. Zhang's advice helps to establish a holistic and balanced approach to health, so that everyone can enjoy food while protecting their heart health.
What do you think about pumpkins?