How to Prepare a Nourishing Porridge for Kids to Strengthen Their Spleen and Stomach

Introduction:

The spleen and stomach are crucial organs in the human body, especially for children who are still growing. A healthy spleen and stomach help in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and overall physical and mental development. One of the best ways to support the health of a child's spleen and stomach is through nutrition. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare a nourishing porridge that is both delicious and beneficial for your child's digestive system.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of long-grain rice

- 1/2 cup of glutinous rice (optional)

- 1/2 cup of goji berries

- 1/2 cup of red dates

- 1/2 cup of peeled and cubed carrots

- 1/2 cup of peeled and cubed pumpkin

- 1/2 cup of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes

- 4 cups of water

- 1 teaspoon of rock sugar (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the long-grain rice and glutinous rice under running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove any impurities and dust from the rice grains.

2. Soak the goji berries, red dates, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes in water for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to cook these ingredients and enhance their nutritional value.

3. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked goji berries, red dates, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.

4. Add the rinsed and soaked long-grain rice and glutinous rice to the pot. Stir well to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed.

5. Cook the mixture on a low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should be tender and the porridge should have thickened to your desired consistency.

6. If using rock sugar or salt, add it to the porridge at this stage. Stir well to dissolve the sugar or salt evenly throughout the porridge.

7. Turn off the heat and let the porridge cool down slightly. Serve warm to your child.

Nutritional Benefits:

- Goji berries: These berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which support the immune system and promote overall health.

- Red dates: These fruits are known for their nutritional value, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which aid in digestion and improve energy levels.

- Carrots: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber, which support eye health, boost the immune system, and improve digestion.

- Pumpkin: Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber, which help in digestion and maintain a healthy digestive system.

- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, and fiber, which support the immune system and digestion.

Conclusion:

Preparing a nourishing porridge for your child is an excellent way to support their spleen and stomach health. By using the ingredients mentioned above, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that will benefit your child's overall well-being. Remember to cook the porridge until it reaches the desired consistency and let it cool down slightly before serving. Enjoy!