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"Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health, why don't you listen to them?" Doctor Li Hao's words were particularly clear in a corner of a small restaurant in the suburbs.
On a sunny weekend, Cheng Feng and his family had just experienced the joy of cherry picking in a nearby orchard.
After a basket full of cherries, they chose to dine at this quaint restaurant next to the orchard, and naturally chatted about health after the meal.
Cheng Feng is an urban planner who is busy with various projects and meetings on weekdays, and rarely has the opportunity to spend time with his family like he does today.
The dishes on the table were sumptuous, from roast duck to steamed fish, to the seemingly ordinary porridge with preserved eggs and lean pork they ordered, everything was tempting.
During the conversation, Cheng Feng's father mentioned that an old friend was recently admitted to the hospital due to a stroke, which also aroused everyone's attention to healthy eating.
Li Hao, the middle-aged doctor who accidentally joined their conversation, seems to have a strong interest and deep insights into the public's health misconceptions.
He began by mentioning the idea that while most people know that fruits and vegetables are good for their health, they tend to overlook the importance of the variety and quality of food to their health.
"Did you know that fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for everyone.
For example, fruits that are high in sugar are not a good choice for diabetics. ”
Li Hao explained in detail how fructose in fruits affects blood sugar and the different effects of different types of vegetables on gut health.
Cheng Feng's mother was intrigued by this, and she asked how to choose fruits and vegetables that are suitable for her health.
Li Hao smiled and shared a few simple principles, such as choosing low GI (glycemic index) fruits according to one's health status, and giving preference to vegetables with high fiber content.
During the conversation, Li Hao also mentioned a unique point of view:
Trace elements such as potassium, magnesium and zinc are often overlooked in our daily diet, which are essential for maintaining nervous system and heart health.
Backed by data, he pointed out that most patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have serious deficiencies in their diets.
"For example, potassium can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart and brain problems caused by high blood pressure.
A study involving more than 50,000 adults in the United States showed that adequate potassium intake significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. Li Hao added.
The atmosphere at the dinner table became more and more lively, and Cheng Feng's youngest daughter also excitedly asked if eating cherries every day could replenish enough potassium.
Li Hao smiled and explained that although cherries contain considerable potassium, a balanced diet is the key.
He also specifically mentions that moderate amounts of meat, legumes, and whole grains are also excellent sources of potassium.
As the sun gradually slanted westward in the afternoon, Cheng Feng's family felt not only the nutritional satisfaction on the table, but also the feast of knowledge from this chance encounter.
"Knowing these healthy eating principles, why is it that most people still struggle to stick to them in their daily lives?"
He then analyzed the issue in detail, noting that the main obstacles include the accelerated pace of life, the impact of food advertising, and the complexity of healthy food options in the market.
He suggested that improving the public's nutrition knowledge through education, coupled with policy guidance and support, may be an effective way to solve this problem.
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