Therapeutic Effects and Functions of Congee

Core Therapeutic Effects

Strengthens the Spleen and Nourishes the Stomach; Calms the Heart and Soothes the Spirit; Reduces Gastric Acid Secretion

Introduction

Congee (rice porridge) is a thick, creamy food prepared by boiling grains such as rice, millet, corn, or legumes. It enhances appetite, prevents constipation, and helps prevent common colds. So, what are the specific health benefits and therapeutic actions of congee?

Therapeutic Benefits and Actions of Congee

1. Strengthens the Spleen and Nourishes the Stomach

Congee is rich in nutrients and pectin, which exhibits excellent adsorptive properties—binding to and eliminating bacterial toxins and other harmful substances from the body, thereby exerting a detoxifying effect. Additionally, congee protects the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation caused by coarse or rough foods, promoting ulcer healing and improving digestion. Moreover, it safeguards the gastric mucosa against irritation from spicy foods, making it especially suitable for individuals with chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other gastric disorders.

2. Calms the Heart and Soothes the Spirit

Congee contains abundant tryptophan—the highest among cereal grains—which exerts calming and sedative effects on the mind and spirit. Pumpkin congee, in particular, is exceptionally rich in tryptophan, helping to relax the nervous system and improve sleep quality. Clinical studies have shown that tryptophan promotes melatonin secretion; melatonin reduces nocturnal awakenings and decreases light-sleep duration while extending deep-sleep time.

3. Reduces Gastric Acid Secretion

The pectin present in congee not only regulates gastric function but also slows carbohydrate absorption, effectively controlling postprandial blood glucose spikes. Furthermore, pectin binds to excess cholesterol in the body, lowering serum cholesterol levels. Notably, millet congee is particularly high in dietary fiber and B-complex vitamins, which support healthy gastric acid secretion.

Nutritional Value of Congee

Congee contains phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, sodium, protein, fat, manganese, zinc, selenium, niacin, dietary fiber, iron, copper, riboflavin, and other essential nutrients. Additional ingredients—including meats, vegetables, or nuts—can be incorporated according to personal preference, enhancing both gastrointestinal nourishment and skin hydration. Congee places minimal burden on the digestive system and does not contribute to weight gain. Moreover, consuming a warm bowl of congee first thing in the morning during cold weather helps maintain body warmth and boosts resistance to cold, thereby reducing the risk of cold-induced illnesses.

Recommended Population

Congee is especially beneficial for individuals with weakened spleen and stomach function, as well as for the elderly and those with general physical frailty—owing to its rich content of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which nourish and support gastrointestinal health.

Contraindicated Population

No specific contraindications exist.

Precautions When Consuming Congee

When preparing alkaline congee, adding edible alkali (sodium carbonate) results in a yellowish hue. However, alkali causes significant loss of heat-sensitive vitamins (e.g., B vitamins) and calcium; thus, combining alkali with congee may lead to substantial nutrient depletion.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.