Lard, a traditional grease**, has a long history and an important place in both Chinese and European cooking.
However, in recent years, the use of lard has been questioned because of concerns that it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. So, is lard a nutritious product or the "bane" of cardiovascular disease? This issue will be discussed in this article.
First, let's look at the nutritional value of lard. Lard is rich in fat, which is one of the essential nutrients for the human body.
Fat is the main source of energy in the body**, which can help maintain body temperature, protect internal organs, provide essential fatty acids, and more. In addition, lard also contains some fat-soluble vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin D, iron, zinc, etc.
Studies have shown that a moderate intake of fat is beneficial for cardiovascular health. For example, fat can lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, fat can also promote intestinal health, which is also helpful in preventing constipation and bowel cancer.
Of course, lard is not completely without problems. Lard contains more saturated fatty acids, and excessive intake of saturated fatty acids increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, moderate intake of lard is key.
So, what exactly is the effect of lard on cardiovascular health? Studies have shown that moderate intake of lard is beneficial for cardiovascular health. A study of Chinese residents found that moderate intake of lard was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition, some studies have also found that some components in lard, such as vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc., may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
However, there are also some studies that have found that excessive intake of lard may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, a study of Finnish men found that excessive lard intake was associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition, some studies have also found that saturated fatty acids may increase cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, there is some controversy about the effect of lard on cardiovascular health. Despite the fact that lard is rich in nutrients, excessive intake may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, moderate intake of lard is key.
According to the dietary guidelines for Chinese residents, it is recommended that the total amount of oil consumed per day should be controlled at 25-30g. In this total, the proportion of animal oil should be controlled below 20%. Therefore, for lard, it is recommended to consume no more than 10g per day.
In practical application, it can be adjusted according to your own situation and needs. If there are already risk factors for cardiovascular disease, or if you are elderly, obese people, etc., you should reduce your lard intake moderately. In addition, when it comes to eating lard, you can choose varieties that are low in saturated fatty acids, such as grass-fed lard, etc.