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Doubts at the dinner table
Whenever the autumn breeze is cool, there are always a few delicacies with color and fragrance on the dining table at home, among which mushroom dishes have become the table darlings of many families with their unique freshness and rich nutrition.
When enjoying this gift from nature, have you ever heard the warning: "When you are old, you can't eat a single bite of fungus!" Such words can't help but make people wonder: Is it really that the years are unforgiving, and even this little fungus should be taboo?
Today, let's demystify mushroom food and discuss how seniors can choose wisely to avoid unnecessary health risks while enjoying delicious food.
The double-edged sword of fungi: nutrition and risk coexist
Fungi have been an important part of Chinese food culture since ancient times, from the "Compendium of Materia Medica" to modern nutrition, all praise their medicinal value and therapeutic effect.
fungus, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms...... These names not only represent the delicious food on the table, but also carry the Chinese's pursuit of a healthy life.
Fungus, known as "black gold", is rich in iron, vitamin K and a variety of minerals, which help promote blood circulation and enhance immunity.
Shiitake mushrooms, with their unique aroma and rich dietary fiber, have become the best choice for promoting digestion and lowering cholesterol. As the old saying goes, "the extreme must be the opposite", the consumption of mushrooms is not without taboos, especially for the elderly, it is necessary to choose carefully.
Special considerations for the elderly
As we age, our metabolism slows down and our immune function declines, which makes older people need to pay more attention to its effects on the body when facing food.
Although fungi are good, some species may become "invisible killers" of the elderly because they contain indigestible ingredients or are prone to allergic reactions.
1 fungus: not for everyone
Although fungus is rich in nutrients, it contains more colloidal components, which are not easy to be completely digested and absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. For older adults with weakened digestive systems, excessive consumption of fungus may lead to indigestion symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.
In addition, uncooked fungus may also contain harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and parasites, further increasing food safety risks.
2. Wild mushrooms: The trap behind the deliciousness
China is a vast country with a wide variety of wild mushrooms, from matsutake mushrooms to porcini mushrooms. The collection and consumption of wild mushrooms is a science.
On the one hand, the growth environment of wild mushrooms is complex and susceptible to pollution, and accidental ingestion of toxic mushrooms may lead to serious poisoning and even life-threatening. On the other hand, even non-toxic wild mushrooms can trigger allergic reactions depending on individual body constitution.
Therefore, for the elderly, unless the safety of the strains can be ensured, it is still necessary to focus on the common fungi sold in the market.
3. Special risks for specific fungi
In addition to the fungus and wild mushrooms mentioned above, there are also some specific mushrooms, such as red mushrooms, white spirit mushrooms, etc., although they are nutritious, they may also be unsuitable for all people because they contain special ingredients.
For example, some compounds in red mushrooms may have some effects on the liver, while white mushrooms may cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, when choosing these mushrooms, one should fully understand their characteristics and contraindications for consumption.
Smart choices, healthy tables
In the face of the double-edged sword of mushrooms, how can the elderly enjoy delicious food while ensuring their health? Here are a few suggestions that might give you some inspiration:
1. Eat in moderation and with a variety of combinations
No matter what kind of fungus it is, it should not be consumed in excess. It is recommended to control the amount of each consumption within 100 grams, and mix it with other vegetables, meat and other ingredients reasonably to ensure balanced nutrition. At the same time, pay attention to changing the species of mushrooms and avoid long-term single consumption to reduce potential risks.
2. Choose cooked foods to stay safe
Whether it is a wild mushroom or a market-bought mushroom, make sure it is cooked thoroughly before eating. High temperatures can effectively kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and parasites, reducing the risk of food poisoning.
In addition, for pre-packaged mushroom foods sold in the market, it is also necessary to pay attention to check the production date, shelf life and other information to ensure food safety.
3. Understand the physique, which varies from person to person
Everyone's physical condition and constitution are different, and the reaction to fungi will also be different. Therefore, when choosing mushroom food, you should fully understand your physical condition and allergy history, and avoid eating mushrooms that may cause discomfort. If necessary, consult a medical professional or dietitian for advice.
4. Pay attention to traditional wisdom and eat scientifically
In traditional Chinese culture, there are many wisdom and proverbs about the consumption of mushrooms. For example, the proverb "eat mushrooms in spring, melons in summer, fruits in autumn, and roots in winter" tells us that different ingredients should be chosen in different seasons to conform to the laws of nature.
When eating mushrooms, you can also learn from these traditional wisdom and choose the mushroom varieties and eating methods that suit you.
Fungus is not an absolute contraindication
Back to the question at the beginning of the article, "When you are old, you can't eat a mouthful of fungus?" Actually, this is an overly categorical statement. For the elderly, fungus is not completely inedible, but should be eaten in moderation and scientifically.
On the premise of ensuring that it is cooked thoroughly, it is beneficial to eat fungus in moderation according to one's physique and digestive ability.
Of course, in addition to fungus, other fungi also need to follow this principle. When choosing mushroom food, we should remain rational, neither overly superstitious about its nutritional efficacy, nor blindly avoid it. By scientifically and rationally mixing and eating, we can enjoy delicious food while maintaining good health.
Conclusion: A healthy table starts with every bite of wisdom
In this historic land of China, the food culture has a long history. As an important part of it, mushrooms not only carry people's pursuit of deliciousness, but also contain the yearning for a healthy life.
While enjoying this gift from nature, we should always be vigilant and use wisdom and knowledge to protect the health of ourselves and our families.
Remember, a healthy table starts with every smart choice. Whether it is fungus or other mushrooms, as long as we understand, choose, and cook with our hearts, we can enjoy the delicious taste while reaping health and happiness. May every reader have a healthy and delicious table time!
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References:
Can't eat fungus when you're old? Doctor: If you don't want to go to the hospital, it's best not to be greedy for these kinds of fungi
2024-07-17 10:23· Released by Laishan