Four clever ways to eat yams to nourish the kidneys.

Introduction: Chinese yam can "benefit kidney qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, stop diarrhea, resolve phlegm, and moisten the skin and hair". (First seen in Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"). The biggest characteristic of Chinese yam is that it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a mixture of polysaccharide and protein, which has special health-care effects on the human body. It can prevent fat from depositing on the cardiovascular system, maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, and prevent the premature occurrence of atherosclerosis.

Chinese yam has the effects of strengthening the spleen and replenishing the lungs, benefiting the stomach and kidneys, securing the kidneys and replenishing essence, improving hearing and brightening the eyes, helping the five internal organs, strengthening muscles and bones, boosting willpower and calming the mind, and prolonging life.

Chinese yam can "benefit kidney qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, stop diarrhea, resolve phlegm, and moisten the skin and hair". (First seen in Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"). The biggest characteristic of Chinese yam is that it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a mixture of polysaccharide and protein, which has special health-care effects on the human body. It can prevent fat from depositing on the cardiovascular system, maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, and prevent the premature occurrence of atherosclerosis; it can reduce the accumulation of subcutaneous fat; it can prevent the atrophy of connective tissue and prevent the occurrence of collagen diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. The dopamine it contains has the important function of dilating blood vessels and improving blood circulation, making it suitable for diabetics, people with bloating, the post-illness weak, patients with chronic nephritis, and those with long-term diarrhea.

Blueberry Mashed Chinese Yam

Speaking of which, cooking with Chinese yam is very simple.

Chinese Yam Salad: This is a cold dish that promotes saliva production to quench thirst, strengthens the stomach and aids digestion, and nourishes the intestines. It also has anti-aging effects. Peel the Chinese yam and apple, then cut them into small cubes and soak them in cold water for half an hour. Then, remove them, drain the water, place them on a plate, and mix with an appropriate amount of salad dressing. It's crisp, refreshing, sweet, and delicious. Moreover, this method can maximize the retention of nutrients in the Chinese yam and apple.

Scallion and Chestnut Braised Chinese Yam: This is a hot dish that is rich in nutrition and has an excellent texture. The Chinese yam is light, the chestnuts are sweet, and the scallions are fragrant, creating a golden and delicious dish. First, peel and wash the Chinese yam, then cut it into irregular chunks. Wash the chestnuts, cook them until done, and remove the chestnut meat for later use. Heat an appropriate amount of oil in a wok over a stove. Add the Chinese yam and pan-fry until both sides are golden, then remove and set aside. Pour out the remaining oil and do not use it again. Clean the wok, heat an appropriate amount of oil, add the chestnuts and Chinese yam, add soy sauce, cooking wine, pepper powder, chicken essence, salt, and sugar. Add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then turn to low heat and simmer until the Chinese yam is flavorful. Reduce the sauce until it thickens, then sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Fruity Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam Stewed with Chicken: Chinese yam can be eaten alone or used to make nourishing foods. Chinese yam stewed with chicken is known as a "longevity dish" in folk culture and is highly nutritious. Regular consumption can prolong life. First, clean a tender young chicken and chop it into mahjong-sized pieces. Then, peel the Chinese yam and cut it into diamond-shaped slices. Slice the bamboo shoots and cut the spinach into sections. Place a wok over a stove and add an appropriate amount of water to boil. Add cooking wine and salt, then add the chicken pieces and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Afterward, add the Chinese yam and bamboo shoots slices, simmer for 5 minutes, then add the spinach sections, add pepper powder, and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil to finish.

Chinese Yam and Mutton Soup: This is a stew that replenishes qi and deficiency, warms the middle and lower parts of the body, stimulates the appetite, and strengthens the body. It is suitable for nourishment in the late autumn. Cut the mutton into pieces and blanch in boiling water. Then, add the peeled and sliced Chinese yam and the mutton to a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and add ginger, scallion sections, pepper powder, and cooking wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, then turn to low heat and simmer until the mutton is tender.

Corn and Chinese Yam Pork Rib Soup