In modern times, the so-called "five grains" generally refer to grains and beans, such as rice, cereals, wheat, beans and other miscellaneous grains. The main nutrients contained in the five grains are carbohydrates, followed by plant proteins, and the fat content is not high. Ancient medical experts believed that the five grains could nourish the true qi of the five internal organs. In 1997, the Chinese Nutrition Society passed the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents", and the first item is "Diversified foods, with grains as the main part", which emphasizes that the energy and protein necessary for people's daily life should mainly be supplied by grains, and grains are the main body and foundation for ingesting nutrients.

Combine Fine and Coarse Grains and Consume Some Coarse Grains

The rice and flour we usually eat are called fine grains, while corn (flour), millet, sorghum, beans, potatoes and other foods are called coarse grains. Coarse grains are particularly rich in trace elements and vitamins. Coarse grains such as corn and potatoes contain more dietary fiber. Nutritionists believe that eating coarse grains at least three times a week will be helpful for health, make people's intestines and stomach healthier, and enhance their appetite. Among them, coarse grains are rich in nutrients. For example, oats are rich in protein; millet is rich in tryptophan and carotene; beans are rich in high-quality protein; sorghum is rich in fatty acids and abundant iron; potatoes contain carotene and vitamin C.

Eat a Variety of Grains for Nutritional Complementation

Small miscellaneous grains contain more starch and protein. The main crops include sorghum, foxtail millet, buckwheat, oats, barley, broomcorn millet, coix seed, as well as kidney beans, mung beans, adzuki beans, broad beans, peas, cowpeas, lentils, black beans, etc. The research on China's medium- and long-term food development strategy shows that small miscellaneous grains should account for 20% of the grains supplied to Chinese people.