Can White Rice Porridge Be Consumed During Postpartum Recovery?

Postpartum confinement can include an appropriate amount of plain rice porridge. Also known as vegetarian porridge or rice emperor, plain rice porridge refers to porridge without any seasonings. It has the effects of nourishing vital energy, stopping diarrhea, promoting saliva secretion, and smoothing stomach qi. During the postpartum confinement period, women are often in a weak state, with poor physical strength, easy fatigue, and poor digestive function. Consuming an appropriate amount of plain rice porridge can promote digestion and make it easier to absorb nutrients.

Plain rice porridge is rich in nutrients such as water, protein, fat, and starch. It typically contains up to 90% water, making it a good way to help the body replenish fluids. Additionally, as a staple food, plain rice porridge is rich in starch and carbohydrates, providing energy and nourishing vital energy. It is also easy to digest, with soft and cooked porridge melting in the mouth and being easily digested after consumption, making it suitable for those with gastrointestinal discomfort.

Postpartum women need to replenish nutrients but may have poor digestive function. Consuming an appropriate amount of plain rice porridge can facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, it can help prevent postpartum constipation due to its high water content. Eating plain rice porridge can not only satisfy hunger but also replenish bodily fluids, effectively preventing constipation.

However, it is important to note that plain rice porridge should not be cooked for an extended period. Finely processed white rice has a relatively low nutritional value, mainly providing a large amount of starch, a small amount of protein, and some B vitamins. While prolonged heating and cooking have minimal effects on starch, protein, and minerals, they can destroy B vitamins. The longer the cooking time, the more B vitamins are destroyed.

Plain rice porridge is easily digested and absorbed, and it has a stronger effect on raising blood sugar levels after consumption. This can be unfavorable for diabetics trying to control their blood sugar and may also have a negative impact on healthy individuals' post-meal blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics should consume plain rice porridge in moderation.