This method not only significantly improved his blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels but also reversed severe fatty liver disease. The approach gained considerable attention on social media due to its effectiveness and affordability.

Previously, during a health check-up, Mr. Tran discovered he had fatty liver disease, with blood pressure and blood sugar levels exceeding safe limits. Wanting to improve his health without spending a lot on expensive weight-loss diets or enduring strict dietary restrictions, he devised a simple fat-loss plan.

Mr. Tran decided to replace all refined carbohydrates like rice and noodles with potatoes. For his three daily meals, he continued to eat regular family dishes, avoiding starvation or excessive restrictions. The monthly food cost was only about 300 yuan (nearly one million VND), considered a very economical expenditure for someone losing weight. Retail potato prices in China typically range from 2 to 6 yuan per kg.

Additionally, Mr. Tran incorporated moderate exercise.

After consistently maintaining this routine for six months, Mr. Tran lost 12.5 kg. His physique became leaner, and his previously elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels returned to safe ranges. His fatty liver condition also improved significantly, demonstrating positive changes in his physical health and health indicators. "This is probably the most economical weight-loss method I have ever tried," Mr. Tran shared.

The weight-loss benefits of potatoes, when used as a staple food, stem from a key component: resistance starch. Ha Vu Han, Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at Ningxia Medical University General Hospital, explained: "Resistance starch is a type of starch that is not digested or absorbed in the small intestine but passes directly to the large intestine. There, it becomes food for beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome."

This unique digestive mechanism has led to resistance starch receiving strong interest from nutritionists in recent years.

Numerous scientific studies highlight the health benefits of resistance starch. According to research published in the journal Nature Metabolism, supplementing a balanced diet with resistance starch supports obesity control by regulating the gut microbiome. A diet rich in resistance starch also helps restructure gut bacteria, reducing triglyceride levels and liver enzymes like alt and ast associated with liver damage, thereby effectively improving fatty liver conditions.

Studies show that individuals on a resistance starch diet experienced improved total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (ldl) levels, which helps reduce dyslipidemia. Metabolically, supplementing with resistance starch for just 8 weeks not only helped obese individuals lose weight but also significantly improved insulin resistance by balancing gut bacteria.

Mr. Tran before and after weight loss (right). *Photo: HK01*

This beneficial starch is present in many common foods. Doctor Nghe Bac Nhien, from the Endocrinology Department at Guang An Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, stated that resistance starch comes from two main sources:

Natural sources: Including whole grains (oats, sweet corn, barley, wheat, sorghum), legumes (chickpeas, peas, beans, black beans, lentils, red beans, green beans, pinto beans), tubers (sweet potatoes, potatoes), and fruits like green bananas.

Post-processing sources: When rice or starch-rich foods are cooked and then cooled (or refrigerated), a portion of the starch converts into resistance starch.

Many online users found Mr. Tran's method practical and suitable for individuals aiming to improve their health while being financially conscious. Compared to strict approaches like completely cutting out carbohydrates or only eating boiled vegetables, this solution is easier to maintain, low-cost, and appropriate for office workers and beginners.

However, nutrition experts warn that relying solely on one food type as a carbohydrate substitute, while potentially creating a short-term calorie deficit, can lead to nutritional imbalance, reduced metabolism, and the risk of weight regain in the long run. This method is also not suitable for teenagers, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic diseases.

Therefore, the weight-loss process needs flexible adjustments based on individual body types. Choosing a safe solution that yields sustainable results without negatively impacting health remains the top principle. Readers should consult a doctor or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes.

Binh Minh (According to The Paper, Sina, Wenxuecity)