Fresh Chinese Yam, Pumpkin and Corn with Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Diabetes cannot be cured, but careful dietary management can help reduce symptom severity and slow the development of complications. People who stay disciplined with both their diet and their medication can live well, healthy lives.

Fresh Chinese yam contains mucilaginous proteins believed to help protect blood vessel walls, maintain vascular elasticity and resist arterial hardening. It also contains dopamine and batatasine compounds that research suggests may benefit insulin metabolism and support blood sugar balance. Paired with pumpkin — which contains cobalt, a mineral associated with increased insulin release and reduced blood sugar — and corn (especially with its silk, which has a traditional diuretic and blood-sugar-lowering reputation), this soup makes for a genuinely supportive daily meal.

Method

1. Peel the Chinese yam and pumpkin; cut both into large chunks.
2. Remove the outer leaves from the corn ears, rinse well — keep the silk on — and cut into sections.
3. Cut the lean pork into pieces and blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes; rinse.
4. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to 1.2 L.
6. Serve; eat the solid ingredients as well as drinking the soup.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is naturally sweet and delicious — the whole family will enjoy it regardless of whether anyone has diabetes. For pumpkin, the elongated variety is recommended because the round type tends to have a higher sugar content, which is a consideration for people monitoring blood glucose. The corn silk is a key functional ingredient for blood sugar support — do not discard it. Young corn on the cob with silk intact is even more effective than ordinary sweet corn ears.