As living standards continue to rise, we often hear at the dinner table, "Eat less rice and more dishes. Rice has no nutrition; the nutrition is all in the dishes." On the surface, this seems quite reasonable. However, from a scientific nutritional perspective, if this practice continues long-term, it is extremely detrimental to health.
Rice and noodles are the staple foods for the Chinese people. The reason they are called staples, while a wide variety of dishes are called non-staples, is inseparable from China's dietary habits, both ancient and modern. Our Chinese nation has always regarded rice and noodles as essential foods. The dietary habits and nutritional absorption patterns of a nation are not something that can be easily changed in one or two generations; they are the result of a life evolution process that has spanned tens of thousands of years.
Carbohydrates are the "basic raw materials" our bodies need. 50% to 60% of the total energy a person obtains in a day comes from carbohydrates. The main component of rice and noodles is precisely carbohydrates, which can be directly converted into energy. Furthermore, rice is much easier to digest compared to large amounts of meat and fish. Why can we eat rice for a lifetime without getting tired of it, while after several consecutive days of eating rich meats and fish, we lose our appetite? This is because rich meats and fish are heavy in flavor, color, and oil. Eating too much can cause significant irritation to the digestive system. In contrast, rice and noodles have a very mild taste and do not become unappetizing even when consumed daily. Excessive intake of rich dishes places a heavy burden on the digestive system. Some people believe it's fine to eat more vegetables. This is certainly true to some extent. However, vegetables stir-fried with excessive cooking oil should also not be eaten in large amounts, as this can easily lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Nutritionists do not advocate for the absolute view of "eat more dishes, less rice." They promote a scientific and rational combination of staples and non-staples, with staples accounting for an absolute majority. Additionally, one must also consider the individual's life stage. For instance, teenagers are in a stage of physical growth and have high levels of activity, so it is very necessary to appropriately increase non-staples to scientifically absorb nutrients.
Currently, the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases has increased compared to the past, with the trend of the disease affecting younger individuals, especially teenagers. This is related to the indiscriminate "mindless eating" of many only children who are doted on at home. This unhealthy dietary concept of "eat less rice, more dishes" should be corrected promptly.