Source: Xinhua Net
“Food is the God of the People”; China’s dietary habit centered around grains has been followed for thousands of years. The concept of grain-based health is one of the essences of Chinese dietary culture, as stated in the classic TCM text, Huangdi Neijing, which mentions “grains nourish the body”.
Grain-Based Health Secrets Oats: Lowering Blood Lipids
Oats are highly regarded for their health component, β-glucan, a soluble fiber that gives oats a viscous texture and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and lower cholesterol levels.
Additionally, oats have a low glycemic index, which aids in blood sugar control. They also help prevent constipation and colorectal cancer. It is best to cook oat flakes for 3 to 5 minutes before consumption, as this is more effective than just soaking.
Buckwheat: Lowering Blood Sugar
Buckwheat and its specialty variety, bitter buckwheat, are rich in rutin, a key component in medications for preventing and treating diabetes and controlling postprandial blood sugar levels. Therefore, buckwheat and bitter buckwheat are particularly suitable for diabetics.
Diabetics should carefully check the ingredient list when choosing products and opt for those with a high buckwheat content. Common bitter buckwheat products include bitter buckwheat tea and bitter buckwheat powder, which can be selected based on individual needs.
Coix Seed: Cancer Prevention
Coix seed contains coix oil, which has been found to effectively control cancer cell growth, making it an ideal cancer-preventive food. Additionally, coix seed is known for its skin-whitening and beautifying effects. It is relatively hard, so it is recommended to soak it before cooking it into porridge.
Millet: Stomach Protection
Millet has a balanced nutritional profile, with a variety of vitamins and minerals in relatively high amounts. Its greatest feature is that it is easy to digest and absorb, thus not placing a heavy burden on the stomach.
Purple Rice and Black Rice: Eye Protection
Purple rice and black rice, which are generally rich in anthocyanins, have antioxidant properties that can prevent fat oxidation and maintain the health of ocular blood vessels.
Purple rice and black rice also contain a good amount of dietary fiber and minerals, but they are relatively hard and absorb water slowly, so they should be soaked for a long time before cooking, ideally for 12 hours. Cooking them into porridge is more beneficial for digestion and absorption.
Eating Grains for Better Health Mixing Coarse and Fine Grains
When consuming grains, it is important to mix coarse and fine grains. If grains are not cooked thoroughly, consumed in excess, or not chewed properly, they can burden the digestive system. Young children and the elderly, who may have weaker digestive functions, could experience discomfort such as indigestion and bloating. Cooking coarse grains into porridge or mixing them with fine grains can aid digestion and absorption.
Dietary Balance
While eating coarse grains, it is essential to maintain dietary balance by ensuring adequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins such as fish and meat, pairing them with protein- and mineral-rich foods to aid absorption, and avoiding excessive reliance on coarse grains that could lead to malnutrition. Achieving nutritional balance is key.
Cooking Methods Matter
The cooking methods for grains are also quite specific; for example, black rice is best suited for porridge rather than rice. Corn is best steamed for maximum nutrition. Pairing oats with milk helps in more comprehensive nutrient absorption.
“Every grain of rice is hard-earned”; from sowing to harvesting, and then processing into finished grains, it takes at least 20 steps. Each grain embodies the hard work and sweat of farmers. Let us remember the effort behind every grain, cherish food, and eliminate waste.
Tips for Saving Food
1.Serve appropriate portions to avoid leftovers and reduce waste, promoting the clean plate campaign.
2.When dining out, order appropriately instead of over-ordering.
3.Take home any uneaten food.
4.Do not compare; take pride in saving and shame in waste.
5.Bravely stop wasteful practices when you see them and strive to reduce waste.
Home Grain Storage Tips Secrets to Preventing Rice Infestation
Garlic Method: Garlic contains allicin, which can prevent insects when buried in rice.
Orange Peel Method: Orange peel contains citral, which can repel insects when buried in rice.
Freezing Method: Infested rice can be placed in a plastic bag, sealed tightly, and put in the freezer for 48 hours to kill the pests.
Sichuan Pepper Method: Pack 50 grams of Sichuan pepper powder in a small cloth bag and place it in the rice container, sealing it with plastic wrap. The volatile substances released by the pepper can repel and kill insects.
If rice becomes infested, do not rush to throw it away or expose it to sunlight. Spread the infested rice in a cool, ventilated area to allow the insects to crawl out, then sift it for continued use. However, if rice has mold, it should be disposed of properly and not consumed.
Storage Methods for Grains
Grains and beans should be sealed in plastic bags and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent moisture, heating, mold, and insect infestation.
It is advisable to buy grains and beans in moderate amounts, purchasing as needed.
Tips for Storing Cooking Oil
When storing cooking oil, it is crucial to keep it in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. Oils high in unsaturated fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil, should not only be kept away from light but also have their caps tightly sealed after each use, preferably stored in the refrigerator. Plastic containers are generally permeable, which is not conducive to airtight storage, so glass bottles are recommended.
Keep oil bottles as far away from heat sources like stoves and radiators as possible.
Frugality is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation. “The farmer works hard under the midday sun, sweat dripping into the soil. Who knows the food on the plate, every grain is hard-earned.” Let us love and save food, starting with ourselves, starting now!
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