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The Lantern Festival is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, and its special delicacy Lantern Festival is also the highlight of the festival. The sweetness and deliciousness of Lantern Festival are often irresistible, but for some people with poor health, this delicacy can pose unexpected health risks.
Caloric and compositional analysis of Lantern Festival
Lantern Festival is mainly made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a variety of sweet or salty fillings, such as bean paste, sesame seeds, minced meat, etc. A standard bean paste contains about 200 kilocalories, and most of them come from sugar and carbohydrates. Although the taste of Lantern Festival is tempting, the high-sugar, high-fat properties make it a hidden concern for heart health. Especially for the elderly, excessive sugar intake can increase the burden on the heart and may even induce heart failure.
Mr. Cheng is a 70-year-old retiree with mild heart disease. During the recent Lantern Festival, Mr. Cheng unfortunately experienced a crisis of acute heart failure due to excessive consumption of the Lantern Festival. Mr. Cheng's case is not an isolated case, which reminds us that even traditional food needs to be done within our means.
Medical explanations of heart failure and its relationship to diet
Heart failure, or heart failure, is when the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced and the body's demand for blood and oxygen is not met. Symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and decreased activity tolerance. Diet is inseparable from heart failure, and unreasonable eating habits, especially foods high in salt and sugar, will increase the burden on the heart and promote the development of heart failure.
Among the risk factors for heart failure, poor eating habits occupy an important place. Foods high in sugar can increase the risk of heart attack, especially in older people with a pre-existing history of heart disease. Moderation in the consumption of high-sugar foods such as Lantern Festival is essential to prevent heart failure.
Detailed explanation of the three types of high-risk groups
Certain health conditions make it necessary for certain populations to be especially careful when consuming foods high in sugar and fat, including:
Diabetics: Blood sugar management in diabetics is key to maintaining good health. High-sugar foods such as Lantern Festival can cause a sharp rise in blood sugar, increasing the risk of complications such as heart disease and kidney disease.
Patients with high blood pressure and heart disease: The heart of these people is already under high pressure, and excessive sugar and fat intake can increase the burden on the heart, which may cause increased blood pressure or cardiac events.
Patients with liver disease: People with liver insufficiency are inefficient in dealing with fat and sugar in the body, and excessive sugar and fat intake will increase the burden on the liver and affect overall health.
These three groups of people should pay special attention to their dietary choices during the holiday season to avoid long-term health consequences due to the craving of the moment.
Recommendations for controlling Lantern Festival intake
For those seniors who can't resist the delicious taste of Lantern Festival, reasonable intake control is the key to avoiding health risks. It is recommended that during the festival, the elderly should limit the intake of Lantern Festival to 1-2 pieces, and try to choose low-sugar or sugar-free fillings.
Sugar absorption can be slowed down by increasing dietary fiber intake, for example, by eating some high-fiber vegetables or fruits during Lantern Festival.
According to the China Cardiovascular Disease Report 2020, a reasonable diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. By controlling the sugar and total calorie intake of foods, blood sugar and weight can be effectively managed, thereby reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, moderation of Lantern Festival intake is not only responsible for personal health, but also for the maintenance of overall cardiovascular health.
Alternative selection and healthy consumption strategies
While enjoying the festive meal, it is also a wise choice to look for healthy alternatives. For example, you can choose other low-sugar or sugar-free foods made with glutinous rice, such as steamed glutinous rice balls or glutinous rice balls that use fresh fruit as a filling. These alternatives not only satisfy taste needs, but also help keep blood sugar levels stable.
Further, you can try to make Lantern Festival at home and use natural sweeteners such as xylitol or erythritol instead of granulated sugar to reduce the sugar content of the food. This method not only controls the sugar and calorie content of the food, but also ensures the freshness and safety of the food.
Medical monitoring and health management
For people with heart failure or other heart conditions, food monitoring during the holiday season is especially important. Regular medical check-ups, including monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, are recommended around the holiday season. This data can help doctors assess the patient's health and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.
In addition, the use of modern technology, such as smart watches or health trackers, to monitor heart rate and activity levels is also an effective means of managing health. These devices can help users understand their physical state in real time, detect abnormalities in time, and take corresponding measures.
In the field of medicine, prevention is always better than cure. With a sensible diet, regular health monitoring, and the aid of technology, the elderly can enjoy the festival more safely while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Finally, do you have any experiences and opinions that you would like to share?