Starch is an essential food in our daily life. Only by replenishing enough starch can we maintain normal physiological activities. Starch is the main source of our daily energy, and only by valuing the role of starch and supplementing enough starch energy can we ensure our body's health.
1. Starch is a necessity for the body
The concept of "staple food is the basis of nutrition" has been summarized through long-term life practice. With grain and water, people's survival can be guaranteed. Modern medical research has found that grains contain almost all the essential nutrients for human growth and development, with the highest content being carbohydrates, which can release energy after hydrolysis to maintain various physiological activities of the human body. It is the basic material for human survival.
Staple foods include grains, potatoes, and legumes. Among them, grains include rice, noodles, and miscellaneous grains, while potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava are classified as tubers. Adults should consume 150-750 grams of staple food per day, depending on personal labor intensity, body weight, gender, and age. For example, workers with high labor intensity should consume 750 grams per day, while women with lighter workloads only need 150-200 grams.
2. Starch is the main source of Qi and blood
The circulation of Qi and blood is the normal physiological function of the human body. Only when Qi and blood are abundant can vitality be vigorous and the body be strong. In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and stomach are the source of Qi and blood production, and food is the main material for supplementing and nourishing Qi and blood. Conversely, Qi and blood can also support, nourish, and regulate the functions of the organs. If our Qi and blood are damaged, it will affect the operation of the organs, and the ascending and descending functions of the spleen and stomach will also be inhibited. As a result, the Yang Qi cannot spread, the postnatal essence cannot be stored, food and grains cannot be ingested, and waste and impurities cannot be discharged, leading to various diseases. Therefore, in order to have a healthy spleen and stomach and a healthy body, we must first nourish Qi and blood.
What kind of food can nourish Qi and blood? (As stated in the "Su Wen: Plain Questions on the Manifestation of Qi in Ordinary People"), "People rely on water and grains for their existence, so when people are cut off from water and grains, they die, and when their pulses lack stomach Qi, they also die." This means that human life depends on the consumption of water and grains, which are our staple foods. Grains are the seeds of plants and can be said to be the most essential and vital part, as well as the best for generating Qi and blood.
However, many people nowadays think that eating vegetables and meat is sufficient and there is no need to eat too much staple food. The most common phenomenon during banquets is that people only eat vegetables and forget about rice. It is not until they are full with alcohol and dishes that they remember to have some staple food. By that time, their stomachs are already full, and they can't eat much rice. Over time, the spleen and stomach will be damaged.
3. Light and original flavor is preferred for staple food
Staple food should be made simple. Making various refined pastries from staple food may satisfy people's taste preferences, but it unknowingly increases the absorption of fat, salt, and sugar.
It is best to have a combination of coarse and fine grains, such as whole wheat bread, buckwheat noodles, and mixed rice made from black rice, millet, oats, and rice. These staple foods contain more B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which are good for adjusting and supplementing the rich protein and fat in holiday meals. On the other hand, fried foods such as fried twisted doughsticks, fried rice cakes, fried spring rolls, and cakes have higher fat and calorie content. Overeating these foods often leads to weight gain and is not beneficial to health.
4. Reasonable combination of coarse and fine grains, and main and side dishes
In addition, don't just eat excessively processed "refined rice and white flour." Choose standard rice and flour, which are more in line with the needs of human health. The dining table should also have a combination of coarse and fine grains, with a variety of choices. Families who prefer refined rice and white flour can add some coarse grains and miscellaneous grains. In one meal, the total amount of staple food should be half, that is, half staple food and half dishes. Only by eating a variety of grains and miscellaneous grains can our bodies be provided with enough materials to generate Qi and blood and maintain the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.
Here, I would like to remind everyone that some people even avoid eating staple food in order to maintain their figures. This actually causes great harm to the spleen and stomach. Especially for female friends, not eating staple food regularly can lead to insufficient Qi and blood, weakness, and significant physical loss. Therefore, we must pay attention to the role of staple food and not neglect the damage to our bodies for the sake of beauty.
