On a sunny weekend morning, Aunt Li was busily preparing the family breakfast in the kitchen as usual. She skillfully opened the cabinet, took out a jar of homemade lard, planning to use it to cook something delicious. However, recent discussions among neighbors made her uneasy: everyone was saying that lard might be the culprit behind cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but her heart was filled with doubts—could regular consumption of lard really affect health?
Aunt Li’s concerns reflected the doubts of many people. With the gradual improvement of living conditions, people’s pursuit of their own health has become increasingly strong, and whether traditional ingredients such as lard are health-friendly has become a topic of public concern. Some believe that the high content of saturated fatty acids in lard may increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases; on the other hand, there are also those who emphasize that moderate consumption of lard is an indispensable part of traditional cooking and beneficial to health.
With such questions, Aunt Li consulted her nephew Xiao Wang, who is a doctor, at a family gathering. Xiao Wang patiently explained to her: “Auntie, it is true that there is a certain proportion of saturated fatty acids in lard, and excessive intake could increase the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood, which would heighten the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.” But he also mentioned that reasonable consumption will not pose a threat to health, and stressed the key is to balance diet and moderate exercise. Xiao Wang also suggested trying to alternate lard with vegetable oils in everyday cooking to reduce overall intake of saturated fatty acids and recommended eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring sufficient physical activity.
Although there is a certain link between saturated fats in lard and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis with long-term excessive intake, this does not mean that occasional consumption of lard poses a serious threat to health—the key is to control the amount and maintain a balanced diet. Excessive intake of lard may also lead to obesity, hypertension, and other health issues; however, moderate consumption of lard can also bring some benefits to the body, such as providing energy and helping absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
For those who like lard, the following suggestions might be beneficial:
- Control intake: Limit the frequency and portion of lard consumption each week.
- Balanced diet: Pair lard with increased intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Alternate fats: Combine lard with other vegetable oils, such as olive oil and flaxseed oil, to balance the intake of fatty acids.
- Maintain appropriate exercise: Promote metabolism and blood circulation through exercise to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
After listening to Xiao Wang’s explanations and recommendations, Aunt Li’s doubts dissipated. She decided to pay more attention to the choice and intake of fats in her future culinary practices, while also focusing on a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity. Achieving health is not an overnight endeavor, but the result of continuous adjustment and effort in everyday life. Lard is neither a complete health villain nor an all-purpose health elixir.
The key lies in how we scientifically select and consume fats and oils, and how we seek balance in our diet. Only by doing this can we protect our health while enjoying delicious food. A healthy lifestyle is not an immutable doctrine but a wisdom that requires us to make flexible adjustments based on our own circumstances. Whether it’s lard or other types of fats, the important thing is how we scientifically select and combine them, making our diet a powerful aide in maintaining health.
In this era of information overload, we need to learn to discern true from false information and look at various health viewpoints rationally, thereby finding a wellness path that suits us. Remember, health isn’t achieved overnight; it requires our long-term effort and perseverance.
Let’s safeguard our health without forgetting it while we pursue delicious cuisine!
