When it comes to foods that are good for the stomach, people's first reaction is usually noodles and porridge. However, there are many types of porridge, such as rice porridge, millet porridge, and mixed grain porridge. So, is millet porridge also good for the stomach?
Millet Porridge is Good for the Stomach
Millet porridge is a healthy food that is good for the stomach. It can be cooked alone or with ingredients such as red beans, dates, sweet potatoes, lotus seeds, and lily, each with a different flavor. However, they all contain abundant nutritional value and have the effect of nourishing the stomach.
Nutritional Value of Millet Porridge
Millet contains various vitamins, amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates, making it highly nutritious. Every 100 grams of millet contains 9.7 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fat, which is not lower than rice or wheat. Unlike other grains, millet contains a high amount of beta-carotene, with a content of 0.12 milligrams per 100 grams, ranking first among all grains in terms of vitamin B1 content. Millet also has a high sugar content, with 72.8 grams of sugar per 100 grams, and it has a higher calorie content than rice. Additionally, due to its rich content of vitamins B1 and B2, millet also has the function of preventing indigestion and canker sores.
Effects and Functions of Millet
Millet, also known as corn, has a sweet taste and a neutral property, which can invigorate the spleen and stomach. Millet has the effects of invigorating the spleen, replenishing kidney qi, clearing deficient heat, promoting urination, and treating restlessness and thirst. It is a good nutritional product for treating weak spleen and stomach, general weakness, depleted essence and blood, postpartum weakness, and poor appetite.
Difference Between Millet Porridge and Rice Porridge for Stomach Nourishment
Rice is relatively cool compared to millet, so people with warm stomachs are more suitable to drink rice porridge to nourish the stomach. However, rice is acidic, so when cooking porridge, some baking soda should be added. This not only softens the grains and aids digestion but also helps to relieve stomachaches. Rice porridge is more suitable for postpartum weakness and people with multiple illnesses. Millet is suitable for people with weak and hot spleen and stomach, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, as well as postpartum and post-illness weakness. However, millet is a heat-inducing food, so if you have a hot stomach, it is best not to drink too much. However, for most people, drinking millet porridge has a stomach-nourishing effect. It is especially suitable for postpartum women and elderly people, as it can invigorate the spleen and stimulate appetite.
How to Cook Stomach-Nourishing Millet Porridge
1. Choose fresh millet, not old rice, as the taste will be much better.
2. Cook it for at least half an hour or more.
3. Do not be lazy. Stir the pot from time to time to prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom. Once it sticks, the whole pot of porridge will be ruined. When simmering, try to keep the lid closed.
4. Use enough water in the pot and do not add water halfway through. Bring it to a boil.
5. After simmering for at least half an hour, add a small amount of baking soda to increase the viscosity and make it easier to cook. However, the taste of millet porridge with baking soda may be affected. (Not recommended for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants)
6. The porridge is more delicious when the grains are cooked but still retain their shape.
Other Stomach-Nourishing Foods
In addition to porridge, there are other foods that can help nourish the stomach, such as udon noodles, chicken breast, minced pork or beef, white fish, tofu, natto, milk, yogurt, and boiled vegetables (such as cabbage, white radish, potatoes, taro, pumpkin, etc.).
