Carbohydrates do not have a particularly good reputation in Western cultures. They are considered thickeners and are banned from the diet in many modern dietary concepts.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees it quite differently . Especially cereals, the epitome of carbohydrates, are attributed great importance in ancient medicine. For instance, oats, spelt, and other grains are used for various disorders.
You can now learn about the importance of cereals in TCM and how you can harness their strengthening effects for yourself.
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese medicine , TCM for short, refers to a medical system that originated in China several millennia ago. As a complementary healing method to Western medicine, this concept is also becoming increasingly important in our latitudes.
Traditional teachings are based on the concept of yin and yang and aim to balance the two opposites so that qi (the life energy) can flow. If there is a state of imbalance, this manifests itself in physical and mental malaise, which can lead to illness in the long term.
TCM applications include acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, body and breathing exercises, massages, and nutrition.
TCM and Nutrition
Another central concept of TCM is the teaching of the five elements, which is known in Western cultures above all as a dietary philosophy based on the interaction of the five elements.
The so-called 5-element diet is not only intended to increase well-being and strengthen our defenses; it also promotes the absorption of nutrients.
We have also dealt intensively with this proven nutritional concept and created three beneficial TCM porridges for you based on the knowledge gained.
From the cooling apricot-strawberry spelt porridge to a harmonizing coconut-orange rice porridge and the warming sour cherry-cocoa oat porridge, there is something for every taste.
The importance of cereals in TCM
While low-carb diets are becoming increasingly popular in Western cultures, cereals are increasingly being declared thickeners. Additionally, an increasing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance makes many doubt that cereals can be healthy.
TCM sees it quite differently. In TCM, cereals hold a much higher priority than in our country. According to Professor Leung Kok Yuen, a respected teacher of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a healthy diet consists of 70% cereals.
Cooked cereals, for instance, are said to strengthen qi and particularly aid digestion. Additionally, they are considered thermally neutral or only slightly warming or cooling, making them suitable for both heat and cold types.
Since cooked grain is very well tolerated by most people and has a strengthening effect, it is considered a good basis for meals in TCM.
Each grain has its own effect on the body and can be prepared in various ways, so we will provide you with an overview of the most important cereals in TCM below:
Oats – the warming grain in TCM
Oats are one of the most important cereals in TCM and are also considered to be the cereal with the most warming effect. For this reason, they are an indispensable part of a healthy diet, especially in colder seasons.
Enjoy oats either as a classic porridge with spices, fruits, or nuts, or grate some vegetables into the oatmeal to savor the grain. And you can enjoy porridge at any meal.
Basic recipe: oatmeal
Ingredients
- 250 ml milk or a plant-based alternative for vegans (oat milk, almond milk, soy milk...)
- 50 g oatmeal (grams of oatmeal)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tsp agave syrup optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon of your choice
Preparation
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Boil the oatmeal with the pinch of salt and the sweetener of your choice in the milk or plant drink (preferably while stirring constantly). Cooking the cereal flakes only with hot water is also a possible variation.
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Let the porridge steep for 3 minutes.
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Pour the porridge into a bowl and sprinkle with cinnamon.
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Enjoy!
Nutritional values
Roasted oat grains can also be boiled into a soothing tea that is said to awaken the spirits.
However, if your body shows the so-called heat symptoms, you should consume oats only in small amounts and prefer to use rice or spelt instead. Heat in the body manifests itself, for example, through heartburn, gastritis, skin breakouts, or rapid sweating.
Rice – the number 1 grain in TCM
Hardly any other cereal has such a high priority in TCM as rice, and with good reason. In general, rice is considered an important food for heat symptoms, as it has a slight cooling effect. It is often used for skin problems, as it has a cleansing effect.
It is also easy to digest and strengthens digestion. Whole-grain or natural rice, in particular, helps with inner restlessness and emotional fluctuations. Sweet rice (mochi) for breakfast is also often used to prevent cravings during the day.
We also rely on the harmonizing effect of rice in our coconut-orange rice porridge from the TCM range.
Spelt – the nutrient-rich original grain
Spelt is the original form of wheat that is widespread today and contains a considerable variety of nutrients. In addition to vitamins B1 and B2, the original grain also provides zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and silica. Above all, the latter strengthens your skin, hair, and nails and positively impacts your concentration and cognitive abilities.
According to TCM, the grain strengthens the intestines and has a blood-forming effect. It is used for poor concentration and also in children who are prone to hyperactivity.
Since the yield of spelt cannot be increased through the use of artificial fertilizers, it has only regained importance due to the trend toward organic farming.
Using the power of grain correctly according to TCM
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, not all grains are alike. Processing plays an essential role in the effect of food on the human body.
An important rule in TCM is that the less a grain is ground, the better it is.
For example, with classic wheat, wheat grains have a calming and cooling effect. White flour, on the other hand, has a slimy and warming effect, which leads to so-called "moist heat." TCM states that this moisture in the body suffocates the Qi and causes diseases.
Additionally, each grain should be cooked to improve digestibility and allow it to develop its effects optimally. Anyone who has considered TCM nutrition knows that, according to traditional medicine, hot meals are preferred because they provide more Qi than raw foods.
Alternatives to classic cereals
Whole grains of wheat, spelt, oats, or barley are often difficult to digest and might not be suitable for everyone. Soaking the grains can help a little, but you should only eat them if your digestive system is strong.
Far more digestible and therefore recommended for most people are flakes, such as spelt or oat flakes or even couscous, bulgur, or semolina.
Pseudocereals such as quinoa, amaranth, or buckwheat are also excellent alternatives to classic cereals.
No matter which cereal or pseudocereal you choose, listen to your body. If certain varieties are heavy in your stomach or lead to digestive problems, it is better to avoid them and resort to alternatives.
How healthy is bread according to TCM?
Bread is one of the most critical staple foods in Western cultures and is something many enjoy during meals, especially in the morning or evening.
Bread contains cereals, so one might think that you can also benefit from their health virtues. Unfortunately, according to TCM, this is not the case at all.
Diverse cereals unfold their effects when eaten as whole grains. The grains bind moisture in the body and remove toxins.
When ground into flour, cereals do exactly the opposite. Instead of binding moisture and transporting it out of the body, they form slag and deposits. This is the teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This so-called slag leads to obesity, cellulite, and impure skin. Additionally, it makes the body sluggish and promotes lethargy.
TCM experts, therefore, advise against excessive consumption of bread, pasta, and pastries. The same applies to finished products, which often contain cheap refined flours.
As is often the case, however, excess leads to poison. Therefore, enjoy baked goods in moderation rather than in large quantities.
It is best to replace bread meals with cooked meals several times a week. This is particularly easy to do at breakfast in the morning. For example, instead of a jam sandwich, enjoy a bowl of warming porridge to take advantage of the strengthening effects of cereals.
