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"You know, I've been eating an apple every morning for the past three years. ”
This is Mrs. Chen, a 67-year-old retired accountant, who is sharing her little habits with doctors in the examination room of the hospital. Three years ago, she started this simple routine, eating an apple every morning and then starting her daily routine. Today, she came to the hospital to hear what the doctor had to say about the habit.
In the examination room of the hospital, Mrs. Chen sat on a blue diagnosis and treatment chair, and Dr. Zhang sat opposite. Dr. Zhang is a middle-aged male doctor in his fifties, wearing a pair of thick glasses, looking polite and always giving people a gentle and reliable feeling.
"Aunt Chen, the apple breakfast you have insisted on in the past three years has actually helped your health a lot. Dr. Zhang looked at the physical examination report on the computer screen and explained slowly and methodically, looking like a scholar.
Mrs. Chen tilted her head curiously, "Hey, Dr. Zhang, I just thought apples were delicious, but I didn't expect them to have so many benefits!" Dr. Zhang smiled and nodded, "Yes, apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, which are all nutrients that are very beneficial to the health of the elderly." ”
"First of all, dietary fiber can help regulate intestinal function and prevent constipation, which is especially important for the elderly. Secondly, the antioxidants in apples, such as vitamin C and β-carotene, can help slow down cell aging and protect cardiovascular health. Aunt Chen listened with relish, and nodded again and again, "Then I haven't eaten in vain in the past three years!"
"Not only that," Dr. Zhang continued, "your physical examination report shows that your blood lipids and blood pressure are well controlled, which is also related to the fact that you eat apples every day. The pectin in apples lowers bad cholesterol in the blood and raises good cholesterol, which is very beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease. ”
"By the way, you probably don't know," Dr. Zhang suddenly changed his perspective and changed the subject, "Apple also has a lesser-known benefit. Did you know that apples contain an ingredient called 'phytochemicals', which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the human body to some extent? ”
Aunt Chen's eyes widened in surprise, "I really don't know this, what is the principle of this?"
Dr. Zhang explains, "These phytochemicals are commonly referred to as phytoestrogens. For postmenopausal women, moderate intake of phytoestrogens can help alleviate some symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings, to a certain extent. Although not a complete replacement for treatment, it can serve as an adjunct as part of a daily diet. ”
After listening to these detailed explanations, Mrs. Chen felt like she had found a treasure, and said with a smile: "It seems that my little habit not only makes me happy, but also good for my body!" The doctor smiled and nodded, and was about to end this pleasant conversation when Mrs. Chen suddenly remembered a question, "I heard that apples contain sugar, will eating too much affect blood sugar?"
Dr. Zhang earnestly explained: "That's a good question. Although apples do contain natural sugars, they do not have a high glycemic index (GI) because the fiber in apples can help slow the absorption of sugars and reduce sharp fluctuations in blood sugar. ”
"For most people, eating apples in moderation does not have a negative effect on blood sugar. Of course, if you have diabetes or other conditions that require strict control of blood sugar, it is still recommended to adjust your diet under the guidance of a doctor. ”
Mrs. Chen nodded with satisfaction, and became more determined about her little habit. She thanked Dr. Zhang for his professional answers and plans to continue her daily apple breakfast. In the corridors of the hospital, her brisk steps seem to announce to everyone that a small lifestyle can bring great health benefits.
What do you think about Apple?