Rice or Noodles? Doctor: Stop Worrying About "Dampness," Your Body Is "Protesting"!

Rice or Noodles? Doctor: Stop Worrying About "Dampness," Your Body Is "Protesting"!Dampness? The doctor glanced at the medical record and casually remarked, Are you sure its not a dietary problem? Zhang Daming was taken aback, his mind filled with confusion. He had been a construction foreman for over 20 years, and lately, he had been feeling unwell: fatigue, dizziness, and he attributed it to excessive dampness

Rice or Noodles? Doctor: Stop Worrying About "Dampness," Your Body Is "Protesting"!

Dampness? The doctor glanced at the medical record and casually remarked, Are you sure its not a dietary problem? Zhang Daming was taken aback, his mind filled with confusion. He had been a construction foreman for over 20 years, and lately, he had been feeling unwell: fatigue, dizziness, and he attributed it to excessive dampness. He had specially taken time off to come to the health clinic for a checkup, hoping to get some treatment. To his surprise, the doctors words completely overturned his understanding.

Doctor, how can dietary problems lead to excessive dampness? Zhang Daming asked cautiously.

The doctor pushed his glasses up his nose and patiently explained, This isn't excessive dampness, it's a typical metabolic problem caused by an unbalanced diet. Do you eat a lot of staple foods? Rice or noodles?

Mainly noodles. Im busy with work, its convenient, Zhang Daming scratched his head and answered honestly.

Thats it, the doctor nodded and began to explain in detail, Long-term noodle consumption and long-term rice consumption result in significant differences in physical condition. You may feel noodles are filling and delicious, but relying solely on noodles for an extended period will actually make your body more susceptible to a range of metabolic problems.

Zhang Daming became increasingly confused, So, which is better, rice or noodles?

The doctor smiled, keeping him in suspense, Dont worry, let me explain. As he spoke, he pulled up a research data chart from his computer.

From a nutritional composition perspective, rice and noodles have distinct nutritional advantages and characteristics. Rice primarily contains carbohydrates with minimal fiber, while noodles, despite containing carbohydrates, have some nutritional components compromised due to additives and fine milling during processing, particularly fiber and B vitamins.

So, rice is better? Zhang Daming was a bit dumbfounded.

The doctor shook his head, Its not that simple. Rice, due to its high glycemic index, can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Therefore, for diabetic patients or individuals with high blood sugar, it might not be the most ideal choice. While noodles have a relatively lower glycemic index, the processing of wheat flour makes them more likely to burden the stomach and intestines, increasing the pressure on the digestive system.

Zhang Daming nodded, but still felt uncertain. Seeing this, the doctor continued, The crucial difference lies in the long-term impact of these two staple foods on the body. People who rely primarily on noodles tend to consume more fat and salt, as noodles are often eaten with meat and seasonings, such as stir-fried noodles and noodles with minced meat sauce. Rice, on the other hand, is often paired with vegetables and lighter side dishes, resulting in lower overall fat intake and relatively stable metabolism for those who primarily consume rice.

The doctor shared a real-life case: a bank employee who had consistently relied on noodles, particularly enjoying noodles with minced meat sauce and diced chicken, developed fatty liver and high blood pressure at a young age. After the doctor suggested a shift to a rice-based diet with increased vegetable intake, his blood lipid levels and weight improved significantly within six months.

Zhang Daming was stunned, So, eating noodles is quite dangerous?

Dont worry, its not as simple as that, the doctor smiled, It also depends on individual body constitution and lifestyle habits. In reality, both rice and noodles have their pros and cons. Despite rices high glycemic index, incorporating whole grains, such as mixed grain rice or brown rice, can effectively reduce blood sugar fluctuations. For noodles, choosing whole wheat or buckwheat noodles, rich in dietary fiber, not only avoids burdening digestion but also helps promote digestive health.

But I heard that people in northern China love to eat noodles and are still healthy, Zhang Daming was a little puzzled.

This is because the dietary structure in northern China is more diverse, the doctor patiently explained, People in the north not only eat noodles but often pair them with vegetables rich in fiber, such as napa cabbage and radishes. Additionally, they drink warm soup and eat stews in the winter, all of which contribute to balanced nutrition. Moreover, people in northern China generally have a more robust physique and higher metabolism, leading to faster breakdown of carbohydrates in noodles and less fat accumulation.

The doctor continued, People in the south primarily eat rice. Rice is lighter and less burdening on the stomach. Coupled with the hot and humid climate in the south, rice helps maintain a lighter feeling and reduces visceral fat accumulation.

Hearing this, Zhang Daming touched his stomach, seemingly understanding, and asked, So, should I switch back to eating rice?

The doctor smiled and shook his head, Theres no need to rush into changing. Instead, find the right balance for yourself. The key to diet is diversity. Relying solely on a single staple food for an extended period, whether it be rice or noodles, can lead to nutritional imbalances. Especially for someone like you who does a lot of physical labor, you need more protein and dietary fiber. Therefore, regardless of rice or noodles, you should combine them with vegetables, beans, and whole grains as part of a balanced diet.

The doctor gave some suggestions: You can try replacing white rice with mixed grain rice or swapping regular noodles for whole wheat noodles, and eat more fiber-rich foods like sweet potatoes and oats. This will keep you feeling full and prevent blood sugar fluctuations. Most importantly, avoid excessively processed foods such as instant noodles and refined white rice. These foods may taste good but offer significantly reduced nutritional value.

To further help Zhang Daming understand, the doctor shared an interesting research study: in a dietary habit survey conducted in a northern Chinese city, researchers found that residents who primarily relied on noodles had a higher obesity rate and higher incidence of hypertension compared to those who mainly consumed rice. The study also showed that these individuals typically consumed higher amounts of fat and salt while consuming relatively fewer vegetables and fruits, leading to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Zhang Daming was stunned and suddenly thought of a question, What if someone only eats rice, or only eats noodles?

The doctor nodded and said seriously, Long-term consumption of a single staple food can lead to severe malnutrition and metabolic disorders. For example, only eating rice, lacking sufficient dietary fiber and protein, can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and poor nutrient absorption. Only eating noodles, especially refined white noodles, can result in insufficient fiber intake, increasing the risk of constipation, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Finally, the doctor solemnly reminded him, Modern diets emphasize diversity and balance. Don't be bound by a particular food. Rice and noodles each have their advantages, but neither can be the sole dominant food. Achieving the balanced nutrition needed for good health hinges on carefully selecting and scientifically combining various foods, while strictly controlling the appropriate amount of intake for each meal.

Therefore, the key to diet lies in balance, not extremes. Only through balanced combinations can we truly eat healthily and enjoy a long life. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to discuss in the comments section!

References

[1] Fan Zhihong. Rice and noodles: Which is healthier as a staple food? [J]. Health Care Garden, 2021,(09):56-59.