Xiangji Kitchen (Essence of Vegetarian Famous Dishes)

Author: Dong Zhouxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The number of overweight people in Beijing is the highest in the country. This surprising statistic is indeed justified. A dietary structure survey conducted by the Beijing Health Education Institute on the city's residents shows that over the past 30 years, the proportion of grains, tubers, and legumes in the daily diet of Beijing residents has significantly decreased, while the intake of animal fats and oils has greatly increased, even exceeding the body's needs. The survey indicates that the proportion of grains, tubers, and legumes on the dining tables of Beijingers has dropped from two-thirds in the past to one-third now. In the past, an adult could consume half a catty of grains in one meal, but now they barely eat half a catty in a day. However, the intake of animal fats and oils has risen from merely 2.8% of the total food intake in the past to 23.1% now. This has directly led to a significant proportion of healthcare expenses being spent on the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and gout. Experts point out that one reason for the rise in living standards and healthcare costs is the excessive consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products, combined with reduced physical activity, which makes the blood pH of the human body tend toward acidity. This creates a breeding ground for chronic diseases, including tumors. Experts advise Beijing residents that the old saying "Tofu and cabbage ensure peace" actually means: A vegetarian diet can make the blood more alkaline, objectively avoiding the aftereffects of an "acidic constitution."