Research indicates that whole grains can nourish the five major organs. As early as ancient times, there was a saying that "one grain nourishes one organ." The five grains are millet, rice, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum. Among them, millet can nourish the spleen, soybeans can nourish the kidneys, and so on. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the five grains not only fill the stomach but are also excellent ingredients for diet therapy and health preservation for the five organs.
Soybeans focus on nourishing the kidneys
In soybeans, black beans are known as the "grain of the kidneys." TCM believes they have the effects of tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the body, detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin, and are effective for dietary therapy for kidney deficiency and edema.
Method: Soak and blend into soy milk, or cook black bean congee, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Rice focuses on moistening the lungs
Rice includes varieties like brown rice and purple rice. It has a great effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs when symptoms of lung heat appear.
Millet focuses on nourishing the spleen
Millet is considered the king of the five grains. Regular consumption can supplement the spleen and benefit the stomach. For those with spleen deficiency and a weak body, millet is a top-grade tonic that can replenish qi, boost energy, and promote longevity.
Method: Cook a pot of millet congee. Skim the essence from the top layer of the congee—the rice oil—and drink it on an empty stomach. It has a great therapeutic effect for nourishing the spleen and stomach. It can be taken in the morning and evening.
Wheat focuses on nourishing the heart
Wheat is known as the "noblest of the five grains." TCM believes it can nourish the heart, calm the mind, relieve restlessness, and eliminate dryness. It has a dietary therapeutic effect on alleviating female menopausal syndrome, spontaneous and night sweats, and irritability.
Method: Use whole wheat with the husk to make congee, or buy some floating wheat from a Chinese medicine shop to boil into a tea. Take it in the morning, noon, and evening.
Sorghum focuses on nourishing the liver
Sorghum, like soybeans, is a coarse grain, but it is an indispensable part of the five grains. Sorghum has the effects of nourishing the liver and benefiting the stomach, and astringent diarrhea relief. For people with chronic diarrhea, continuous consumption for a period of time will have good results.
Method: Process sorghum into flour, roast it until cooked, and mix it with boiling water to make a thin paste. Take it before breakfast and dinner.
Different colored corn has different effects
Different colored corn has slightly different health benefits, mainly because they contain different types of pigments. Compared to white corn, purple corn contains more anthocyanins, thus having antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Yellow corn contains carotene and zeaxanthin, which is good for maintaining healthy vision. Corn with different textures also has different nutritional value. Sweet corn is sweet and delicious and is loved by many. There is also a "fruit-type sweet corn" that can be eaten raw like a fruit. The protein, fat, and vitamin content of this sweet corn are 1-2 times higher than regular corn, and its selenium content is 8-10 times higher. Among its 17 amino acids, 13 are higher than in regular corn. However, sweet corn has a high sugar content, mostly sucrose and glucose, which can easily cause blood sugar levels to rise. Waxy corn has a higher protein content, is rich in vitamins A and B1, and has a very high amylopectin content, making it unsuitable for diabetics. Old corn has a high crude fiber content and low soluble sugar content, making it a very good choice for people on a diet or with diabetes.