Old people are considered a vulnerable group, and as they age, they suddenly develop a love for sweets. Why do old people love sweets? What impact does it have on their health? Let me clarify this for you below.
Reasons why old people love sweets
1. Smaller stomach
As people age, their stomachs shrink in size and their digestion function weakens. They feel full after eating a small amount of food, and sometimes they lose their appetite and don't feel like eating after just a few bites. Eating less and feeling hungry quickly can lead to craving for sweets between meals.
2. Declining taste buds
Declining taste buds can cause older people to have a heightened taste for sweetness. However, regardless of the type of sweets they consume, it is detrimental to their health. Overconsumption of sweets can lead to various diseases.
Hazards of eating sweets for old people
1. Gallstones
According to research, excessive sugar intake stimulates insulin secretion, causing a severe imbalance in the proportion of cholesterol, bile acids, and phospholipids in the bile. Researchers in the United States have found that women around the age of 50 who eat too many sweets are more prone to gallstones.
2. Declining vision
According to surveys, one-third of patients with age-related cataracts have a strong preference for sweets. Regularly consuming large amounts of sweets not only causes eye fatigue but can also lead to "malfunction" of the optic nerve due to "nutritional deficiencies." This can trigger optic neuritis and other eye diseases.
3. Malnutrition
Overconsumption of sweets causes a rise in blood sugar levels, leading to a feeling of fullness, reduced appetite, and impaired digestion and absorption. This can result in deficiencies in various vitamins. In particular, a lack of vitamin B1 can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, indigestion, irritability, and other neurological symptoms. In severe cases, it can manifest as pale complexion, muscle relaxation, and weakened immune system.
4. 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 in the blood consistently high, which is necessary for the growth of early-stage breast cancer cells. Insulin absorbed in large quantities by the breasts promotes the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Recommended foods for old people
1. Pears
Pears have the functions of moistening dryness, calming wind, soothing coughs, clearing heat, and detoxifying. Fresh pears have cooling properties, so it is not advisable for older people to eat too many at once. For those with weaker spleen and stomach, making pear soup with rock sugar is also a good way to consume them.
2. Dates
Dates have the benefits of calming the mind, nourishing the brain, increasing appetite, removing fishy odors, anti-allergy properties, and improving immune system function. They can also prevent and treat hypertension, osteoporosis, and anemia.
3. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum can disperse wind, clear the liver, calm the mind, moisturize the throat, produce body fluids, and improve eyesight. It also has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on colds and headaches.
4. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are considered the best food on the table. They have the effects of preventing cancer, preventing constipation, and promoting weight loss. Regular consumption of sweet potatoes can contribute to longevity.
