As we age, our appetite decreases, but our cravings for sweets increase. Many elderly people who once ignored sweet treats in their youth now find themselves drawn to them. There are two main reasons why the elderly develop cravings for sweets: firstly, as we age, our stomachs shrink and our digestion becomes weaker. We feel full after eating only a small amount, and sometimes we lose our appetite after just a few bites. When we eat less and get hungry quickly, we are more likely to experience cravings between meals. Secondly, our taste buds deteriorate with age, making us more interested in sweet foods. However, regardless of the type of sweet food consumed, it is detrimental to our health. Overindulging in sweets can lead to various diseases.
Visual Impairment
According to a survey, one-third of elderly people with age-related cataracts have a strong preference for sweets. Regularly consuming large amounts of sweets not only tires the eyes but also causes "nutrient deficiency" in the optic nerve, leading to optic neuritis and other eye disorders.
Gallstones
Research has found that excessive sugar consumption stimulates insulin secretion, causing a severe imbalance in the ratio of cholesterol, bile acids, and lecithin in the bile. American researchers have discovered that women around the age of 50 who consume excessive amounts of sweets are prone to developing gallstones.
Breast Cancer
Studies have shown that a woman's breasts are organs that absorb a large amount of insulin. Prolonged intake of high-sugar foods can keep insulin levels consistently high in the blood, which is necessary for the growth of early-stage breast cancer cells. The insulin absorbed by the breasts promotes the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Excessive consumption of sweets raises blood sugar levels, causing a feeling of fullness and reducing appetite, which in turn affects digestion and absorption and leads to a deficiency in various vitamins. In particular, a deficiency in vitamin B1 can result in symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, indigestion, and irritability in the nervous system. In severe cases, nutritional deficiencies can manifest as pale complexion, muscle relaxation, and weakened immune system.
Osteoporosis
When sugar is metabolized in the body, it produces many intermediate products, such as acetone and lactic acid. This requires calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other alkaline substances to participate in neutralization reactions to maintain the body's acid-base balance. The large consumption of calcium leads to calcium deficiency, resulting in osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures and scoliosis.
Obesity
Excessive sugar intake can be converted into fat, affecting normal appetite and hindering the intake of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. This can lead to obesity, which in turn can cause diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Accelerated Aging
Long-term excessive sugar consumption can accelerate cell aging. Sugar is an acidic food, and consuming large amounts of it can turn body fluids into neutral or weakly acidic, promoting cell aging and reducing the body's adaptability. This can result in yellowing and greying hair.
Gastric Problems
Excessive consumption of sweets can stimulate gastric acid secretion and, over time, damage the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis and gastric ulcers.
So, what kind of sugar is healthiest for the elderly? Experts suggest that honey is a suitable choice for seniors. In traditional Chinese medicine, honey is considered to have a mild sweet taste and is believed to have the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and nourishing the body. Honey can be consumed by dissolving it in warm water or by dipping it with bread, vegetables, or fruits. Additionally, some low-sugar preserved fruits and sweet drinks can be consumed in moderation. When it comes to desserts, it is best to choose steamed or boiled options rather than fried or baked ones. For example, steamed sponge cake or date cake can be both sweet treats and staple foods, making them a better choice for the elderly.
