The fundamental cause of obesity is energy intake exceeding energy expenditure. Excess energy is stored in the body as fat, causing weight gain. According to the "Chinese Food Composition Table," among animal oils, lard (suet) has a calorie content of 827 kcal/100 g, while refined lard (refined lard) has a calorie content of 897 kcal/100 g. Vegetable oils like rapeseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, olive oil, tea oil, and hemp oil all have a calorie content of 899 kcal/100 g. This means that if you consume the same weight of lard and vegetable oil, they provide roughly the same amount of energy, making the claim that lard has more calories incorrect.
Lard played a crucial role in our grandmothers' kitchens. A spoonful of melted lard could instantly imbue bland dishes with fragrance, making it easy to fall into the "deliciousness trap." Lard contains over 50 volatile flavor compounds, and the combination of these components creates its unique flavor and rich aroma. This aroma can greatly stimulate appetite, making dishes prepared with lard (such as stir-fried vegetables and lard-based rice) particularly appealing, easily whetting our appetites and leading us to unknowingly eat more food, resulting in excessive calorie intake.
Key Point: Lard itself isn't more fattening than vegetable oil; rather, its alluring flavor can lead to overeating, leading to weight gain. It's important to note that vegetable oil often carries a "health halo" compared to lard. People subconsciously believe that vegetable oil is healthier, and this can lead to overindulging in cooking, resulting in excessive calories and obesity.
In short, whether lard or vegetable oil, moderate consumption is recommended. According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents 2022," healthy adults should consume no more than 25-30g of cooking oil per day.
Source: People's Daily App
