Is Eating Only Salt and Steamed/Boiled Food Really Healthy? Old Wang's 3-Year "Health" Experiment Reveals the TruthOld Wang is almost obsessively committed to his food. He firmly believes that soy sauce and MSG are "dangerous" substances that damage the body
Is Eating Only Salt and Steamed/Boiled Food Really Healthy? Old Wang's 3-Year "Health" Experiment Reveals the Truth
Old Wang, a man of peace and gentleness, prefers to avoid crowds and immerse himself in his own world. For him, the most comfortable moments are spent in the kitchen, wielding a spatula and crafting his own culinary universe. At 59, he has adhered to a unique dietary philosophy: simplicity above all else. He never uses soy sauce, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or other seasonings, relying solely on salt for flavor. After three years, has his body achieved the health he desired?
Old Wang is almost obsessively committed to his food. He firmly believes that soy sauce and MSG are "dangerous" substances that damage the body. His factory job has kept him in excellent physical condition: he wakes up early, works hard, and treats manual labor as his daily exercise. Combined with good sleep habits, his health indicators have always been ideal.
He attributes his "health secret" to his salt-only diet and takes pride in it. However, his neighbors and friends disagree and constantly urge him to incorporate other seasonings in moderation. Old Wang scoffs at their advice, even going so far as to undergo a physical examination at the hospital to prove them wrong. Unsurprisingly, the results show excellent scores across the board, seemingly validating his persistence.
Old Wang flaunts his medical report to his neighbors, who no longer argue, and some even begin imitating his lifestyle. However, the doctor expresses a different opinion. He points out that consuming only salt poses potential risks, leading to issues like high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. While Old Wang appears healthy now, it's because he is young and exercises regularly, not because this diet is sustainable long-term.
The doctor's warning prompts Old Wang to reflect on his actions, realizing he may have gone astray. He tries adding a small amount of soy sauce, MSG, and other seasonings to his dishes, discovering that the flavors become more appealing and his appetite increases. He suddenly understands: proper seasoning not only enhances the taste of food but also provides essential nutrients for the body.
Old Wang begins experimenting with using ingredients like scallions, ginger, and garlic for flavoring, finding that they not only add zest but even eliminate the need for extra salt. His life becomes more colorful as a result, and his neighbors stop focusing solely on the "salt" issue, instead engaging in discussions about various delicious dishes and their preparation methods.
However, Old Wang's experience raises a thought-provoking question: Is eating only salt and steamed/boiled food truly healthy?
I. The Hidden Dangers of Consuming Only Salt
Salt is a necessary mineral for the human body, but excessive intake can lead to a range of health problems. Salt absorbs bodily fluids, increasing the burden on the kidneys. A long-term high-salt diet raises the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and heart disease.
Although Old Wang shows no apparent discomfort, the doctor emphasizes that he remains healthy only because of his youth and exercise habits. Long-term consumption of salt alone will cause irreversible damage to the body.
II. Avoid Consuming Greasy Foods Regularly
Modern lifestyles have brought improved living standards and an increasingly diverse diet, with countless fried, stir-fried, and heavily oiled and spicy foods readily available. Young people, in particular, are drawn to these types of meals.
However, excessive consumption of greasy foods leads to fat accumulation, which can trigger chronic conditions like obesity, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
III. While Eating Only Steamed/Boiled Food is Beneficial for Health, It's Not Optimal
Steamed and boiled dishes typically have low fat content and are more easily digested and absorbed by the body, benefiting gut health. However, solely relying on these types of dishes can also lead to problems.
Firstly, steamed and boiled meals often lack aroma and have bland flavors, failing to satisfy people's taste buds, potentially causing decreased appetite and impacting nutritional intake.
Secondly, a long-term diet consisting only of steamed and boiled food can result in nutritional imbalances, leading to deficiencies in certain nutrients and harming overall health.
Conclusion
The key to healthy eating lies in balance, not uniformity. Every food ingredient has its unique nutritional value. We must adjust our food choices based on our individual needs and avoid excessive intake of any single substance.
Moreover, a healthy lifestyle encompasses other factors like regular sleep, adequate rest, and moderate exercise. Only by considering all these aspects can we truly achieve longevity and well-being.
Old Wang's experience teaches us that blindly pursuing "health" does not necessarily lead to actual health. Healthy eating is not static; it requires constant adjustment based on personal circumstances to find the most suitable method for each individual.
Reference Information:
- Weekly Doctor 2024-04-17: "Heavy Salt, Heavy Oil, Heavy Spice: What Are the Health Impacts of Long-Term High-Flavor Eating?"
- Wuhan Evening News 2021-9-26: "Salt Overconsumption Can Lead to Loss, But Less Salt Doesn't Necessarily Mean Better Health"
- Storyteller Zhou Zhuo 2022-12-06: "Why Do Sichuan People Who Eat Heavily Oiled and Spicy Food Not Get Fat?" This Might Be a Huge Misconception"
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