1-minute News | Is a light diet equivalent to 'no oil&salt'?

When you visit a hospital for medical treatment, after prescribing medication, the doctor may remind you to "remember to eat a light diet".

However, does everyone know what a light diet really is? Misinterpretations of this concept are widespread.

Number One: Does a light diet mean not eating meat?

In fact, meat is nutritionally rich and an essential part of a balanced diet. Firstly, apart from soy protein, animal protein contains more essential amino acids than most plant proteins, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Furthermore, inadequate protein intake can lead to a weakened immune system, reducing the body's ability to defend against external threats, making one more susceptible to influenza and various diseases.

Number Two: Does a light diet mean no oil?

The primary component of oil is fat, and consuming less fat is not necessarily better: too little fat intake can affect the intake of essential fatty acids and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Besides the quantity, types of fat intake also matter. In our daily diet, we should reduce the intake of saturated fats (the fatty parts of beef and pork contain a higher amount of saturated fat) and replace them with unsaturated fats. This helps reduce bad cholesterol and improve high cholesterol levels.

Number Three: Does a light diet mean not consuming salt?

Indeed, excessive salt intake over the long term can lead to high blood pressure, but insufficient salt intake can cause electrolyte imbalance, hypotension, hyponatremia, and other issues. This explains why many people receive an intravenous saline solution in hospitals after catching a cold–because salt (mainly sodium chloride) helps maintain electrolyte balance and regulate blood pressure.

Therefore, a genuine "light diet" means more "balance" rather than "reduction". A well-designed balanced diet paves the way for people's healthy lives.