Whole Grains Are Also Medicine
The medicinal properties of whole grains can both prevent and treat diseases, are economical and practical, and have no side effects.
When people think of tonics, they usually first consider various supplements, meats, or rare delicacies. However, the common whole grains we eat daily are also excellent tonics. Traditional Chinese medicine holds the concept of "food and medicine sharing the same origin." The medicinal properties of whole grains can be used not only for disease prevention and treatment but are also cost-effective and free from adverse reactions.
Rice: Also known as glutinous rice, it has a sweet taste and neutral nature, capable of replenishing vital energy, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and relieving thirst and irritability. During winter, when indoor heating makes the air dry, drinking rice porridge in the morning and evening helps avoid dry mouth and throat. A special reminder for diabetic patients: different cooking methods of rice affect blood glucose levels differently. Studies show that dry rice cooked from the same amount of rice has less impact on blood sugar than thin porridge. Thus, eating dry rice for breakfast helps diabetic patients better control their blood glucose.
Sorghum: Also called millet, it has a sweet taste and neutral nature, benefiting the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach function, heat-related indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or postpartum or post-illness weakness. The fine, sticky layer floating on top of millet porridge is popularly known as “rice oil.” Traditional Chinese medicine considers rice oil highly nutritious and exceptionally nourishing, with the saying “rice oil can substitute ginseng soup.”
Wheat: Wheat has a sweet taste and neutral to slightly cold nature, beneficial for strengthening the spleen and kidneys, calming the heart, and soothing the spirit. Those suffering from restlessness and insomnia can cook wheat with rice and red dates into porridge for consumption. Additionally, bran contains high dietary fiber, which helps prevent hyperlipidemia, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hemorrhoids, senile constipation, and colorectal cancer.
Corn: Corn has a sweet taste and neutral nature, beneficial for strengthening the spleen, eliminating dampness, stimulating appetite, enhancing intelligence, calming the mind, and improving blood circulation. Linoleic acid in corn oil prevents cholesterol from depositing on blood vessel walls, helping prevent hypertension and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, it promotes diuresis and lowers blood sugar, making it especially suitable for diabetic patients. American scientists have discovered that consuming corn stimulates brain cells and enhances memory. Lutein and zeaxanthin in corn help prevent age-related macular degeneration in the eyes.
Coix Seed (Yi Mi): Also known as Job’s tears, it contains higher protein content than rice and flour, is easily digestible, and beneficial for reducing gastrointestinal burden and enhancing physical strength. Traditional Chinese medicine considers Coix seed sweet and bland, slightly cold in nature, with functions of strengthening the spleen, nourishing the lungs, clearing heat, and removing dampness. Modern research confirms that Coix seed has anti-tumor, immune-enhancing, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Cooking Coix seed with rice or adding a moderate amount of rock sugar can increase appetite in cancer patients and reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, coixol in Coix seed inhibits striated muscle, helping reduce wrinkles—making it worth trying for those concerned with beauty.
Sorghum: Sorghum has a sweet taste and warm nature, beneficial for strengthening the spleen and stomach. For children with indigestion, roast sorghum in a pan until fragrant, remove the husk, grind into powder, and take 2–3 grams per dose. However, due to its warm nature and tannins (which have astringent and anti-diarrheal effects), sorghum is unsuitable for those suffering from constipation.
Soybeans: Soybeans have a neutral nature and sweet taste, beneficial for strengthening the spleen and boosting qi. People with weak spleen and stomach should consume them regularly. Various soy products such as tofu and soy milk also possess medicinal properties: tofu can broaden the middle energizer, boost qi, clear heat, and disperse blood stasis, particularly suitable for those with phlegm-heat cough, wind-cold invasion, or sore throat.