Chinese yam is rich in nutrients and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and supplementing the lungs, benefiting the kidneys and securing essence. It is widely used by postpartum women, the elderly, and people in the recovery phase after illness. It is a mild nourishing food and an important medicinal herb highly regarded by physicians throughout history. So, what is the best way to eat Chinese yam for health benefits? Let's find out together.
A successful dish is best when it can be both delicious and nourishing. As a medicinal and dietary supplement, Chinese yam often appears on our dining tables. There are many ways to cook it, and different methods retain varying amounts of nutrients. Pairing it with different ingredients can also produce different nourishing and health benefits.
I. What are the effects and benefits of Chinese yam?
Stir-fried Sliced Chinese Yam
1. Strengthens the spleen and benefits the stomach, aids digestion
Chinese yam contains substances like amylase and polyphenol oxidase, which are beneficial to the digestive and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. It is a medicinal and edible product that mildly tonifies the spleen and stomach. It can be consumed by those with deficient spleen-yang or stomach-yin. Clinically, it is often used with other herbs to treat conditions like weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea.
2. Nourishes the kidneys and benefits essence
Chinese yam contains various nutrients and has the effect of strengthening the body, nourishing the kidneys, and benefiting essence. It can be taken for conditions such as kidney deficiency with spermatorrhea, excessive leukorrhea in women, and frequent urination.
3. Benefits the lungs and relieves cough
Chinese yam contains saponins and mucilage, which have lubricating and moistening effects. Therefore, it can benefit lung qi, nourish lung yin, and treat conditions like chronic cough due to lung deficiency and excessive phlegm.
4. Lowers blood sugar
Chinese yam contains mucoprotein, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar. It can be used to treat diabetes and is an excellent dietary choice for diabetics.
5. Promotes longevity
Chinese yam contains a large amount of mucoprotein, vitamins, and trace elements, which can effectively prevent the deposition of blood lipids on blood vessel walls, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and achieve the effects of improving mental clarity, calming the mind, and prolonging life.
II. 4 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat Chinese Yam
Stir-fried Chinese Yam
Among all the ways to prepare Chinese yam, stir-frying is the most nutritious and delicious. Sliced or shredded Chinese yam is quickly stir-fried, and because the heating time is short, the loss of nutrients, especially vitamin C, is minimal. For vegetarian options, there are stir-fried Chinese yam with black fungus and stir-fried Chinese yam with tomatoes. For non-vegetarian options, there are stir-fried Chinese yam with sliced pork, stir-fried Chinese yam with kidney, stir-fried Chinese yam with shrimp, and stir-fried Chinese yam with diced chicken.
Steamed Chinese Yam
If you are recovering from a serious illness and have no appetite, you can choose the simplest method: steaming. Peel the Chinese yam, cut it into sections, steam it in a pot, and then eat it dipped in sugar. It is fresh, soft, sweet, and delicious. This method has a soft texture and is also suitable for patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and stomach problems. Women who like desserts or have a weak constitution can also blanch the Chinese yam in water, pour over a prepared honey syrup, and eat it to nourish yin and blood.
Chinese Yam Congee
When making congee, add Chinese yam chunks along with a few torn red dates. This is most suitable for children and the elderly. Because these two groups often have poor teeth and weaker digestive systems, Chinese yam congee is very easy to digest. In addition, people with a weak spleen and stomach or indigestion are also suitable for drinking Chinese yam congee. You can also make peanut Chinese yam congee, goji berry Chinese yam congee, longan Chinese yam congee, and pumpkin Chinese yam congee.
Stewed Chinese Yam
Chinese yam stewed with local chicken strengthens the spleen and stomach and is suitable for autumn and winter nourishment. Cut the Chinese yam into sections, use a pressure cooker to cook the chicken pieces until slightly tender (about three-quarters done), then add the Chinese yam sections and other ingredients like goji berries, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Chinese yam stewed with pork ribs nourishes the kidneys and benefits essence. Blanch the pork ribs in hot water, rinse them clean, then add them to a pot with water and cook for 20 minutes. Add the cut Chinese yam, other ingredients, and seasonings, then continue to simmer over medium heat for another 15 minutes.