Many Chinese believe that food is the best medicine and that essential food, such as potatoes and nuts, are what we need most to maintain good health. A Tokyo University study examined the relationship between food and cholesterol and determined that sweet potatoes work ten times better than 130 other foods at reducing cholesterol levels.
Two pieces of sweet potato every day reportedly can help lower cholesterol levels. They must be baked or stir-fried to maintain the nutritious elements; however, they should not be overconsumed because they may cause abdominal distention.
Potatoes are a food that is rich in potassium
Potatoes are one of the few vegetables rich in potassium, averaging 502 milligrams per 100-gram serving. Potassium’s primary bodily functions include regulating fluid balance and controlling the heart’s and other muscles’ electrical activity.
Low potassium levels are often associated with heart disease and high blood pressure. Along with potassium, potatoes are packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, which are also beneficial for people with heart disease and high blood pressure.
Many older people suffer from pain in their legs and other symptoms of venous insufficiency. Wearing compression socks or stockings, one of the more traditional solutions, can be helpful, but they are also uncomfortable for some people, causing them not to use them.
But one simple and effective way to help treat these symptoms is to chew two fresh chestnuts every morning and evening. Active compounds in horse chestnut seeds appear to inhibit enzymes that can damage capillary walls, which also helps strengthen veins.
Chinese women count the number of servings in each meal because they represent the number of ways to keep healthy. If you remember to keep the number of servings to no more than five, your meal will be diversified and nutritiously balanced.
This article was written by Inner Mongolia House and translated by Audrey Wang.
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