Introduction: Potatoes, though seemingly unremarkable, are actually a highly nutritious food that can serve as both a staple and a vegetable. For the elderly in particular, potatoes offer multiple health benefits, making them a good food to eat more of during the hot summer months.
Nourishing the Spleen and Stomach:
Chen Yuqian, Director of the Gastroenterology Department at Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, explains that Traditional Chinese Medicine considers potatoes to have the effect of "harmonizing the stomach, regulating the middle energizer, strengthening the spleen, and replenishing Qi," making them an excellent food for nourishing the spleen and stomach. Furthermore, a new study by the University of Manchester in the UK found that potatoes contain a special antimicrobial molecule that can treat stomach ulcers. Compared to antibiotics, it not only prevents stomach ulcers but also does not lead to drug resistance and has no side effects.
Preventing Constipation:
Wang Yuanzhao, an Associate Chief Physician of the Anorectal Department at Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, explains that as people age, the contractile force of the elderly's intestinal smooth muscles and levator ani muscles decreases, leading to difficulty in bowel movements. The dietary fiber in potatoes helps promote gastrointestinal motility and has a laxative effect.
Preventing Stroke:
The rich dietary fiber in potatoes helps control cholesterol levels in the blood. The mucoprotein in potatoes can prevent cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of stroke.
Controlling Blood Pressure:
Potassium ions are involved in regulating the acid-base balance inside and outside cells, which can prevent high blood pressure caused by excessive sodium intake. Potatoes are an excellent source of the trace element potassium.
Preventing Aging:
Professor Xiadengjie, Chairman of the World Federation for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, explains that potatoes are rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain gum health and boost immunity in the elderly. For elderly friends who enjoy exercise, eating some potatoes daily to increase vitamin C intake has anti-aging and anti-fatigue effects.