What Are the Benefits of Millet and Lotus Seed Congee?

Many people enjoy various types of porridge, such as millet porridge and black rice porridge. Millet can nourish the spleen and stomach, while lotus seeds have the effect of clearing the lungs and relieving cough. Combining these two ingredients to make porridge can help regulate insomnia and promote tranquility and nourishment of the heart. Although regularly eating millet and lotus seed porridge offers numerous benefits, it should not be consumed in excess daily, as this may not be beneficial for health. The preparation of millet and lotus seed porridge is quite simple, and it is a light meal that can be customized with additional ingredients such as red dates or other preferred foods.

The benefits of millet and lotus seed porridge include:

1. It can nourish the heart and promote tranquility, improving sleep quality for those who experience insomnia, restlessness, or poor sleep. Drinking lotus seed and millet porridge regularly can effectively soothe the mind and enhance sleep quality.

2. It can strengthen the spleen and relieve diarrhea. Both lotus seeds and millet belong to the spleen meridian, and for those with chronic diarrhea, indigestion, or loss of appetite, drinking lotus seed and millet porridge can help strengthen the spleen, improve digestion, and enhance appetite.

The nutritional benefits of millet are numerous. It is rich in tryptophan, which can promote the secretion of serotonin, a neurochemical that has sedative and hypnotic effects. Lotus seeds are also a superior nourishing food that can nourish the heart, kidneys, and promote tranquility. Combining millet and lotus seeds to make porridge is effective in treating insomnia.

Consuming millet porridge regularly can enhance physical strength and resistance. Millet and lotus seed porridge is particularly suitable for mothers who experience insomnia due to frequent night feedings for their infants. It is also suitable for older individuals who may have excessive internal heat due to aging. Additionally, it is a suitable choice for daily health maintenance and physical strengthening. Enjoying a bowl of millet and lotus seed porridge at dinner can promote a deep and restful sleep.

The preparation method for millet and lotus seed porridge involves the following steps:

Ingredients: 100 grams of millet, 10 lotus seeds, and 6 red dates.

Steps:

1. Clean the lotus seeds in clear water and soak them in hot water for about 1 hour until they become soft enough to be smashed with a knife.

2. Wash the red dates and remove the pits.

3. Boil 200 times the volume of water as the millet in a pot, and add the smashed lotus seeds and pit-less red dates.

4. Once the water boils, add the washed millet and cook over high heat until both the millet and lotus seeds are soft and the porridge becomes sticky.

The benefits of millet and lotus seed porridge include improving appetite and stomach health. Regarding the calorie content of millet porridge, it is generally not very high compared to other foods, especially considering its relatively light nature. Compared to fried foods, the calorie content of millet porridge is much lower. Based on a 100-gram serving, the nutritional breakdown of millet porridge includes approximately 46 calories, 8.4 grams of carbohydrates, 0.7 grams of fat, 1.4 grams of protein, and minimal fiber.

While the calorie content of millet porridge is relatively low, it is a highly nutritious food. Millet contains carotenoids, which are not commonly found in other grains, with 0.12 milligrams per 100 grams. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin B1, ranking among the highest in all grains. Millet also contains a high amount of sugar, with 72.8 grams per 100 grams, providing more calories than rice. Therefore, individuals aiming to maintain their weight or lose weight should consider the calorie content of millet porridge when choosing it as a staple food.