The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

17 TZU CHI 124 the Dharma masters’ intentions to provide wholesome nutrition to all. Every aspect of the production process – from picking, cleaning, drying, frying and grinding the beans to weighing, packaging and transporting the powder – is meticulously taken care of by the Dharma masters at theAbode. The production site and machinery are also subject to rigorous maintenance. The mixed bean powder, which consisted of ten types of grains, was painstakingly prepared over a firewood stove using handpicked, all- natural ingredients, with the hope of nurturing a clean heart and mind free of impurities by going back to basics. Each packet of powder was sealed with love, sincerity and blessings, implanting seeds of kindness through nourishment. Healthy source of protein The multigrain instant beverage mix contains a medley of grains, including brown rice, oats, glutinous rice, barley, black beans, green beans, black-eyed peas, garden peas, non- GMO soybeans and red wheat, which promote digestion and stimulate the detoxification process, complemented by fuling (wolfiporia extensa), Chinese yam, lotus seeds and almonds for added nutrients. According to nutritionist Chai Mong Ping, the multigrain powder is considered a nutritious beverage as grains not only constitute a source of protein, fibre, B vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, but also include antioxidant properties and phytochemicals. The high fibre content in grains helps to prevent diabetes and lower cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces the risk of stroke and heart complications. Moreover, the beverage is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it is a plant-based source of calcium and iron. Mong Ping also added that the vitamin B complex in the multigrain powder boosts metabolism and enhances energy levels, while the herbs calm the mind and improve appetite. However, Mong Ping cautioned that the multigrain beverage may not be suitable for certain individuals with special conditions, such as those allergic to gluten – a component of barley and wheat – as well as those with weakened digestive systems or who are prone to bloating and abdominal pain. “The multigrain beverage alone is unable to provide us with the necessary daily amount of nutrients. It’s advisable to increase our intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes to achieve a balanced diet,” stressed Mong Ping. The multigrain beverage mix is ISO- and HACCP-certified*. Every day, the Dharma masters and staff at the Abode dedicate themselves to the same procedure of disinfecting the production machinery, preparing the packaging, filling and sealing 4,000 to 6,000 packets of beverage mixes of different variants before arranging them into boxes. Each packet is blessed by the Dharma masters at the Abode, who complete the production process by praying for the health and peace of the consumers. * ISO22000 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization dealing with food safety, while the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of safety hazards in food by ensuring that potential hazards are identified and controlled at specific points in the production process. An Oasis of Calm and Serenity