Human diet involves dealing with grains every day, not only to satisfy hunger but also to absorb their nutrients to maintain bodily functions. More importantly, eating the right grains has a nourishing and health-preserving effect on the five internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine reveals that grains nourish the five organs, and delicious food is even more health-preserving!
I. Sorghum nourishes the liver
Sorghum and soybeans are both coarse grains, but they are indispensable supporting roles among the five grains. Sorghum has the effects of nourishing the liver and benefiting the stomach, as well as astringent properties to stop diarrhea. People with chronic diarrhea, in particular, will see significant benefits after consuming it for a period of time.
Best method: Process sorghum into flour, stir-fry it until cooked, and then mix it with boiling water to form a thin paste to be taken before breakfast and dinner daily.
II. Rice moistens the lungs
Rice includes varieties like brown rice and purple rice. It has excellent effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs when symptoms such as lung heat and cough appear.
Best method: Simmer rice porridge over low heat until the rice soup is thick. Drink only the rice soup, not the grains, and it can be taken at any time.
III. Mung bean nourishes the liver
Mung bean is sweet in taste and cool in nature. It is a common food for clearing heat and detoxifying, and reducing internal heat. Regular consumption can help expel toxins from the body and promote normal metabolism. Mung bean can lower cholesterol and has liver-protecting and anti-allergic effects. Adding honey to mung bean soup enhances its detoxifying effect.
IV. Soybean nourishes the spleen
Soybean is rich in saponins, which can stimulate the secretion of bile acids that digest fat, and has the effect of promoting digestion and absorption. The color of soybean corresponds to the spleen; it can strengthen the spleen, relieve middle-energizer deficiency, and replenish qi. Regular consumption also helps delay aging and is suitable for people with a sallow complexion and a weak body.
V. Black bean nourishes the kidneys
Black bean contains many antioxidant components, especially isoflavones and anthocyanins, which are excellent antioxidants. It can promote the kidneys to expel toxins and has significant effects of tonifying the kidneys, nourishing yin, activating blood, strengthening muscles and bones, and calming the mind and improving vision.
VI. White bean nourishes the lungs
White kidney bean contains components such as saponins, urease, and various globulins. It can enhance the body's immune ability, activate lymph T cells, and promote the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is very effective in preventing the onset and recurrence of respiratory diseases.
VII. Red bean nourishes the heart
Red bean also contains a considerable amount of dietary fiber, which has good effects of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood lipids, regulating blood sugar, detoxifying and anti-cancer, preventing stones, and for fitness and weight loss. Red bean has a good diuretic effect, can relieve alcohol poisoning, and is also beneficial for heart disease, kidney disease, and edema.