For some people, Christmas is becoming not so much a spiritual holiday as a gastronomic one. This was stated by Prof. Borislav Georgiev, head of the cardiology clinic at the National Cardiology Hospital, on the air of “The Day Live“ on NOVA NEWS.
“Usually on Christmas Eve, the dishes that our grandmothers prepared and that we have preserved for centuries are served. I see that even young people strive to observe the tradition of lean foods on the table. Those who want to eat something fashionable often do so to demonstrate their financial capabilities, but these foods are not particularly useful“, explained Prof. Georgiev.
According to him, fasting is not just a formality “on paper“, but has been practiced for centuries as a period of purification from meat and fatty – foods that can burden the body. “If a person truly fasts, his stomach shrinks and he needs less food“, the cardiologist specified.
Prof. Georgiev noted that the modern trend is for people to try to lose weight through diets or medications, instead of by naturally limiting fatty and red meat. “Fasting food is light and does not burden the stomach, but it is dangerous when overdone – for example, with fats, alcohol, sweets and carbonated drinks“, he said.
In addition to proper nutrition, the specialist stressed the importance of exercise. “Physiological weight loss is about 3-4 kg per month. Attempts to lose 7, 8 or 10 kg per month are already unhealthy and dangerous. One should have a balanced diet, with more fiber and less salt and fat“, added Prof. Georgiev.
He also pointed out the problems with modern meat and sausages: “Beautiful, red sausages are full of chemistry and are not useful, especially in larger quantities. The same applies to traditional pickles – they should not be made with a lot of salt. Salt can be replaced with spices such as black pepper, horseradish or lemon“.
Prof. Georgiev warned that Bulgarians consume many times more salt than recommended, which leads to increased blood pressure and kidney problems. “Some people do not have enough health culture, which also leads to an earlier death. For Bulgarians, health is still not the number one value. There are not many centenarians in Bulgaria compared to other countries“, he also said.
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“To live long and healthy, we need proper food, healthy sleep and exercise”, concluded Prof. Georgiev.