For the elderly, their taste buds decline as they age. They tend to prefer sweeter foods, which may not be surprising. However, consuming excessive amounts of sweets can lead to quick satiation and hunger. It is important to note that sweets are not suitable for long-term consumption. Let's take a look at the specific effects of consuming sweets on the body!
Effects of Regular Sweet Consumption on the Elderly
1. Decline in Vision
A survey shows that 1/3 of elderly cataract patients have a preference for sweets.
2. Gallstones
Excessive sugar intake increases insulin secretion, causing a severe imbalance in the proportion of cholesterol, bile acids, and lecithin in bile.
3. Breast Cancer
Research has found that the female breast is an organ that can absorb a large amount of insulin. Long-term consumption of high-sugar foods can keep insulin levels consistently high, which is exactly what early breast cancer cells require for growth.
4. Malnutrition
Overconsumption of sweets leads to increased blood sugar levels, causing a feeling of satiety, decreased appetite, and affecting digestion and absorption, resulting in various vitamin deficiencies.
5. Osteoporosis
Sugar metabolism in the body produces many intermediate products such as pyruvic acid and lactic acid. Alkaline calcium, magnesium, and sodium participate in neutralization reactions to maintain the body's acid-base balance. Due to the large consumption of calcium, calcium deficiency occurs, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures and scoliosis.
6. Obesity
Excess sugar can be converted into fat, affecting normal appetite and hindering the intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This can lead to obesity and subsequently trigger diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Precautions for Elderly Individuals Consuming Sweets
1. Avoid Excessive Consumption
Elderly individuals should avoid excessive consumption of sweets as it is not only harmful to their teeth but also affects overall health.
2. Timing is Important
Snacks should be consumed between meals or when feeling hungry during nighttime work or study sessions.
3. Cold Sweets
Cold sweets can stimulate and contract the stomach and intestinal blood vessels in the elderly, affecting digestion.
Recommended Foods for the Elderly
1. Honey
Honey is a health and nutritional product that is suitable for the physiological needs of the elderly. It enhances their immune system and has preventive and therapeutic effects on age-related diseases.
2. Tremella Fuciformis (Silver Ear Mushroom)
Tremella fuciformis, also known as silver ear mushroom or snow fungus, has the effects of nourishing Yin, moistening the lungs, nurturing the stomach, and generating fluids. It is mainly used to treat coughing due to deficiency, blood in sputum, thirst due to deficiency heat, etc. It is especially suitable for the elderly and those with weak constitutions.
3. Black Soybeans
Black soybeans are not only rich in calcium but also contain a considerable amount of lecithin and saponins. Lecithin can reduce "bad cholesterol" and prevent atherosclerosis, while saponins have strong antioxidant effects and can effectively prevent cancer and obesity.
