Why should we eat eight-treasure porridge during the Winter Solstice?

　　The winter solstice is the beginning of the coldest period of the year and is also a key time for traditional supplementation. There is a folk saying that "the winter solstice is as big as the new year", and diet and health are particularly important. Among the many nourishing foods in winter, the hot eight-treasure porridge is highly regarded. It not only warms the spleen and stomach, but also strengthens the body and resists severe cold. So, why do we eat eight-treasure porridge during the Winter Solstice? What exactly are its health benefits?

Why should we eat eight-treasure porridge during the Winter Solstice?

　　After the winter solstice, we enter the "nine cold days", the temperature drops sharply, and the human body needs more heat to maintain body temperature and normal functions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that at this time, we should follow the laws of nature and focus on warming and nourishing Yang Qi, strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach. Eight-treasure porridge is an ideal winter health food that conforms to this principle.

　　first, Babao porridge is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and has the effect of strengthening the spleen and warming the stomach. The dry and cold climate in winter can easily damage the function of the spleen and stomach, leading to indigestion, cold hands and feet and other problems. Drinking a bowl of hot eight-treasure porridge can effectively warm the stomach and intestines and promote digestion and absorption. It is especially suitable for the elderly, children and those with weak constitutions.

　　Secondly, The ingredients of eight-treasure porridge are exquisite. Nutritious raw materials such as glutinous rice, jujubes, longans, yams, walnuts, peanuts, white fungus, and barley are often used. Most of these ingredients are warm or neutral in nature. They can not only nourish qi and blood, but also nourish yin and moisturize dryness. They can help improve the body's cold resistance and prevent common winter diseases such as colds.

　　also, Babao porridge also embodies the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "medicine and food come from the same source" . For example, yam strengthens the spleen and kidneys, red dates nourish the body and qi, longan nourishes the heart and calms the mind, and tremella moistens the lungs and relieves coughs—a variety of ingredients work together to achieve a comprehensive conditioning effect. Variations such as mutton porridge, millet and yam porridge, white fungus and red date porridge, etc. are also good health products that can be flexibly matched according to personal physique.

Health benefits of eight-treasure porridge

　　1. Balanced nutrition and energy supplement

　　Babao porridge combines rice, millet, red beans, mung beans, peanuts, red dates and other ingredients, covering carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The synergistic effect of multiple nutrients can comprehensively supplement the body's needs and quickly convert it into energy. It is suitable for storing energy for the body in winter and enhancing the ability to resist cold.

　　2. Strengthen the spleen and stomach for easy digestion

　　After being cooked for a long time, the texture of the ingredients becomes soft and rotten, and the grains and beans in it are fully gelatinized, reducing the difficulty of digestion and reducing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Ingredients such as red dates and longan can warm and nourish the spleen and stomach, and have a gentle regulating effect on bloating and loss of appetite caused by weak spleen and stomach. They are suitable for all ages.

　　3. Nourishes yin, moisturizes dryness and harmonizes qi and blood

　　Most of the ingredients in Babao porridge are mild in nature and sweet in taste, and have the effect of nourishing yin and moisturizing, which can alleviate problems such as dry mouth and tongue and skin dehydration caused by the dry climate in winter. Ingredients such as red dates and wolfberries can nourish qi and blood, improve the poor circulation of qi and blood in winter, and keep the body warm and moist.

Other ways to maintain health during the winter solstice

　　1. Acupoint massage to warm and unblock meridians

　　After the winter solstice, Yang Qi gradually rises, so you can focus on massaging Zusanli, Yongquan and other health-preserving acupoints. Use your thumbs to rub the Zusanli point for 5 minutes and the Yongquan point 100 times every night before going to bed. It can promote the circulation of qi and blood, warm and unblock the meridians, help the yang energy to hide, and relieve discomforts such as chills and fatigue in the winter limbs.

　　2. Emotional conditioning, calming the mind and calming the mind

　　The silence of everything in winter can easily make people feel depressed. You should keep your mind calm and avoid anxiety and irritability. You can calm your mind and mind by reading ancient books, practicing calligraphy, etc., or sit around and communicate with your family to enhance your emotions and calm your mind, which is in line with the health concept of "winter storage" to recharge your batteries.

　　3. Indoor maintenance and optimization of the environment

　　During the winter solstice, indoors are mostly closed, so windows need to be opened regularly for ventilation, 1-2 times a day, for about 15 minutes each time, to maintain air circulation. Indoor humidity should be controlled at 40%-60%. When dry, green plants can be placed or a humidifier can be used to prevent dry air from damaging the respiratory mucosa and reduce the risk of illness.

　　Eating eight-treasure porridge during the Winter Solstice is a reflection of traditional dietary wisdom. The combination of various ingredients not only meets the nutritional needs of winter, but also carries the meaning of happy reunion. The fusion of grains and dried fruits symbolizes a bumper harvest. A bowl of warm porridge unites the family's emotions and fills the cold winter with warmth. It has become a dietary choice to convey good expectations during the winter solstice.

　　The mild and nourishing properties of eight-treasure porridge are highly consistent with the "Winter Storage" health concept of the Winter Solstice. The soft and easy-to-absorb texture is suitable for the transportation of the spleen and stomach in winter, and its various nutrients can store energy for the body. Incorporating it into the Winter Solstice diet can not only feel the richness of traditional customs, but also nourish the body and mind, so that the festive atmosphere and health and wellness complement each other, and continue the health wisdom in folk customs.