Health for All says
As a common edible oil, lard occupies an important place in Chinese cooking and food culture. For many people, lard is a great delicacy in food, but there has long been a controversy about whether lard is healthy or not. Some claim that one spoonful of lard is equal to five pairs of medicines and has many health benefits. However, there are also concerns that excessive intake of lard can lead to health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. So, is eating lard healthy or harmful?Let's uncover the truth.
First of all, we need to understand the composition of lard. Lard is mainly composed of fatty acids, of which saturated fatty acids account for a relatively high percentage. Saturated fatty acids are also one of the components of lard that are often blamed, as long-term intake of high levels of saturated fatty acids increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, TCM believes that moderate amounts of saturated fatty acids are not completely harmful to the human body. Conversely, moderate intake of saturated fatty acids can provide the body with energy and nutrients that help promote normal metabolism and maintain healthy nervous system function.
Secondly, lard is considered to have certain medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine theory. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, lard has the effects of nourishing, moisturizing dryness, moisturizing the lungs, and nourishing yin, which can help some related diseases. For example, people with cough, phlegm, and dry throat can consume lard in moderation to relieve symptoms. In addition, lard is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for external treatment, such as scalding, frostbite and other diseases. This is because lard has a lubricating effect, which reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing.
However, despite the medicinal value of lard in traditional Chinese medicine, its health effects should not be overemphasized. Lard is a high-energy, high-fat food, and consuming too much of it can lead to health problems such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, when eating lard, you need to pay attention to the appropriate amount, and you should not be greedy for more than you can chew. People should decide whether to consume lard or not, and how much, according to the individual's physical condition and needs.
When performing dietary therapy, we should follow the dietary principles of traditional Chinese medicine, consume a variety of foods in a balanced manner, and mix them reasonably. Whether you eat lard or other foods, a varied diet and moderate intake are key. In addition, TCM also emphasizes individual differences, and it is necessary to develop a personalized diet plan according to each person's physique. Therefore, the health status and needs of the individual are important factors in deciding whether to consume lard or not.
To sum up, whether a spoonful of lard is equal to five pairs of drugs cannot be simply measured quantitatively. As an edible oil, lard has certain nutritional value and medicinal value when consumed in moderation, but excessive intake may bring some health problems. The choice of whether or not to consume lard should be decided based on the individual's physical condition and dietary needs. In the course of dietary therapy, we should follow the principles of science, mix ingredients reasonably, and pay attention to the appropriate amount of intake in order to achieve good health care results.
Health References:
1.Chinese Medical Association. Basic clinical norms of traditional Chinese medicine. Health Press, 2010