The pursuit of healthy longevity has always been an expectation for each of us, and eating habits play an important role in this process. However, as we age, doctors remind us that we need to adjust our diet accordingly, which includes reducing our intake of sweet potatoes and pumpkin. This is undoubtedly surprising news for those who love both foods.
In everyday life, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are considered to be some very healthy ingredients, packed with nutrients and delicious. However, as we get older, some medical experts have repeatedly advised people to eat less sweet potatoes and pumpkins as they get older. Is this true or false?
A wonderful tradition of sweet potatoes and pumpkins
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are precious ingredients in China's traditional food culture and often appear on our tables. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc., and are believed to help boost immunity, improve gut health, prevent eye disease in old age, etc.
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A and minerals, which have the effects of nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, and invigorating qi. Pumpkin, on the other hand, is rich in carotene, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other nutrients, which help lower blood sugar, maintain eyesight, and promote bone growth.
Why should people be cautious about sweet potatoes and pumpkins when they are old?
Although sweet potatoes and pumpkin are rich in nutrients, some experts point out that people should be cautious about eating both ingredients as they age. The main reasons are as follows:
1.Problems with blood sugar control.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are high-starch foods that are quickly converted to glucose after ingestion, which has an impact on blood sugar. For older adults, excessive intake of high-starch foods may lead to an increase in blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes due to the gradual decline in pancreatic islet function.
2.Burden on the digestive system.
As we age, the digestive system may function less, including a slowdown in gastrointestinal motility and a decrease in gastric acid secretion. Sweet potatoes and pumpkins are relatively high in fiber, and consuming too much of them can put a burden on the digestive system, cause discomfort, and even worsen gastrointestinal problems.
3.Nutritional imbalance.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are certainly rich in certain nutrients, but they are not well-balanced foods. Older people need a comprehensive and balanced diet to meet their needs. Relying solely on these two ingredients may lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients and affect your health.
How to eat sweet potatoes and pumpkin scientifically?
Despite some cautionary reminders, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as ingredients with extremely high nutritional value, can still be included as part of the diet. The key is to eat scientifically and reasonably, avoid excessive intake, and combine with other ingredients to form a balanced diet.
1.Moderate amounts are advisable.
When the elderly eat sweet potatoes and pumpkin, they should pay attention to the appropriate amount and avoid excessive intake at one time. Instead of eating large amounts every day, you can choose to spread it out over the course of the week.
2.Goes well with a variety of ingredients.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin are eaten in addition to a variety of other vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other ingredients to ensure complete nutrition. This helps to slow down the conversion of starch into glucose in food, reducing the impact on blood sugar.
3.Fine processing cooking.
Finely processed cooking can reduce the starch content of food and lessen the effect on blood sugar. For example, you can choose steaming, boiling, stewing, etc., without over-frying or adding a lot of sugar.
4.Focus on individual differences.
Everyone's physical condition and response are different, and the elderly should pay attention to individual differences when eating sweet potatoes and pumpkin, and adjust their diet in time if they find discomfort.
Eat scientifically and enjoy a healthy old age
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as traditional ingredients, are indeed rich in nutrients, but after people get older, reasonable and scientific dietary choices are particularly important. Eating high-starch foods with caution and a variety of ingredients in moderation are all key to maintaining good health. While enjoying good food, it is also important to pay more attention to the needs of the body in order to have a healthier and happier life in old age.