Noodles have a long history in China. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, they were called "zhubing" (boiled cakes), and in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, "tangbing" (soup cakes). These were the earliest names for noodles. Noodles are not only an economical staple food to fill the stomach, but also a delicacy suitable for fine dining. Historical records show that many high-ranking officials and nobles enjoyed eating noodles and used them to entertain distinguished guests.
1. Beef noodles are suitable for winter
Noodles can replenish qi, strengthen the intestines, and boost physical strength. Beef is sweet and warm in nature, helping to stabilize the middle jiao, replenish qi, and nourish the spleen and stomach. It also has the effect of dispelling cold and wind. When seasoned with raw scallions, raw garlic, and coriander, the flavor is rich and the oil content is high. Therefore, it has the effects of nourishing yin, tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the body, and building vitality. It is relatively suitable for people who are weak or have shortness of breath, and can help combat fatigue. Thus, winter is the best season for eating beef noodles.
2. Noodles are more nutritious when eaten at noon
Noodles are rich in carbohydrates and can provide sufficient energy. During the cooking process, they absorb a large amount of water; 100 grams of uncooked noodles will become about 400 grams when cooked, thus creating a strong sense of fullness. In addition, noodles can stimulate mental activity. The human brain and nervous system require food where carbohydrates account for 50%, and noodles are just such a food. Durum wheat contains B vitamins, which have a stimulating effect on brain cells. Therefore, eating a nutritionally balanced bowl of noodles at noon is a good choice. In the morning, one should eat foods with higher protein content, and eating noodles at night is not conducive to digestion and absorption.
3. Al dente noodles are more nutritious
Generally speaking, noodles with a chewy texture contain more protein and can supplement the nutrients needed by the human body. Noodles can be eaten cold or hot, but nutrition experts remind that noodles that are too hot can damage the esophagus, while those that are too cold are not conducive to digestion and absorption. Therefore, eating a bowl of warm noodles is most beneficial for nutrient absorption.
4. "The original soup digests the original food" makes sense
There is a saying in traditional Chinese diet: "yuan hua yuan shi" (the original soup digests the original food). After eating noodles, dumplings, or tangyuan (sweet rice balls), people traditionally drink some of the original cooking broth. From a nutritional perspective, this practice makes sense. When starchy foods are boiled, starch from their surface dissolves into the soup. When heated to 100°C, the starch granules break down into dextrin, which helps digest food. Moreover, noodle soup contains digestive enzymes that are not destroyed during the cooking process and can also aid digestion. Therefore, drinking the original broth can help reduce indigestion.