Grains, as a traditional food of the Chinese people, have been an indispensable part of the people's diet for thousands of years, occupying an important position in the Chinese diet and traditionally regarded as a staple food.
The Analects of Confucius states, "Though meat is plentiful, it should not exceed the amount of grain." This reflects Confucius's belief, as a member of the Zhou Dynasty aristocracy, that staple foods (grains) should constitute the largest proportion of one's diet according to aristocratic customs.
The Ling Shu states, "True Qi is what one receives from Heaven, which, together with the Qi of grains, fills the body." This indicates that the nutrition from grains is the most important acquired nutrition for the Chinese.