ALIMENTOS SALUDABLES A BASE DE HIERBAS ORIENTALES

DIETA HIERBAS VERANO

 

 

 

 

Bitter Melon Soybean & Frog Nourishing Soup

(苦瓜黄豆田鸡汤)

 

 

This nourishing soup is made with frog meat (田鸡), bitter melon (苦瓜), and soybeans (黄豆) as its main ingredients.
Soybeans—often called the “King of Beans,” “Plant-Based Meat,” or “Green Cow”—are one of the most nutrient-dense legumes, containing approximately 40% protein, the highest among all grains and legumes.

 

Nutritional Benefits

Bitter melon contains abundant vitamin B1, vitamin C, and various essential minerals that help support overall health.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Benefits

Long-term consumption helps replenish vital qi, relieve fatigue, and is also beneficial for treating adolescent acne (青春痘).

Health Benefits

• Clearing Heat and Detoxification (清热解毒)

Helps dispel summer heat and remove internal toxins.

• Strengthening the Spleen & Removing Dampness (健脾除湿)

Improves spleen function and helps eliminate internal dampness.

 

Ingredients

• Bitter melon (苦瓜) – 500 g
• Ginger (生姜) – 1 piece
• Light soy sauce (生抽) – small amount
• Sugar (白砂糖) – small amount
• Salt (精盐) – to taste
• Soybeans (黄豆) – 100 g
• Frog meat (田鸡) – 500 g
• Cooking wine (烧酒) – small amount
• Cooking oil (生油) – small amount
• Cornstarch (生粉) – appropriate amount

 

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the seasoning

Combine light soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, cooking oil, salt, and cornstarch in a bowl and mix well to form a marinade.

2. Prepare the frog meat

Choose a large frog (approximately 500 g), clean thoroughly, remove the head, claws, skin, and internal organs. Cut into bite-size pieces and marinate with the prepared seasoning.

3. Prepare the bitter melon

Cut the bitter melon in half, remove the seeds, wash, and slice into thick pieces.

4. Prepare the soybeans

Soak soybeans fully in water, then rinse clean.

5. Prepare the ginger

Wash, peel, and slice the ginger.

6. Cooking process

1. Add water to a pot (preferably an earthenware clay pot) and bring to a boil.
2. Add all prepared ingredients into the pot.
3. When it boils again, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the soybeans become soft.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt before serving.

 

Health Benefits of Bitter Melon (苦瓜)

• Antioxidant properties: Helps prevent cellular damage.
• Boosts metabolism: Supports metabolic processes and enhances blood circulation.
• Aids digestion: Facilitates digestion and promotes bowel movement.
• Supports weight loss: Low-calorie and high in fiber, increases satiety and promotes fat breakdown.
• Anti-cancer potential: Some studies suggest inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth.

 

Precautions When Consuming Bitter Melon

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Should avoid consumption.
• Individuals with hypoglycemia: Bitter melon may further lower blood sugar levels.
• Those with digestive weakness: People with weak gastrointestinal function should avoid it.
• Patients on medication: Those taking blood sugar–lowering medicines should consult a physician before consuming.

 

Benefits and Precautions of Frog Meat (田鸡)

Frog meat is a nutrient-rich ingredient with multiple health benefits:

Main Benefits

• Clearing heat and detoxifying (清热解毒)
• Tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence (补肾益精)
• Nourishing yin and relieving dryness (滋阴润燥)
• Strengthening the spleen and improving appetite (健脾开胃)
• Reducing swelling and relieving pain (消肿止痛)
• Strengthening muscles and bones (强筋壮骨)
• Providing essential nutrients

Frog meat is rich in proteins and trace minerals, enhancing physical strength.
Vitamin E helps slow aging and hydrate the skin, while phosphorus and calcium contribute to bone health.

 

Detailed Benefits

1. Clearing heat and detoxifying (清热解毒)

Its cooling nature helps eliminate internal heat toxins and relieve symptoms such as sore throat and swelling.

2. Kidney nourishment and essence replenishment (补肾益精)

Rich protein, amino acids, and trace minerals support kidney health and may help improve sperm quality.

3. Nourishing yin and relieving dryness (滋阴润燥)

Helps alleviate symptoms of lung and kidney yin deficiency, such as dry cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

4. Reducing swelling and relieving pain (消肿止痛)

Certain components help alleviate swelling and pain from injuries.

5. Strengthening muscles and bones (强筋壮骨)

High levels of calcium and phosphorus support bone development and help prevent osteoporosis.

6. Nutritional supplementation

A high-protein, low-fat food rich in vitamins and minerals, offering essential nutrition.

7. Anti-aging properties (延缓衰老)

Antioxidants such as vitamin E help slow aging and maintain skin hydration.

 

Dietary Precautions

1. Must be cooked thoroughly

Frog meat may contain parasites or bacteria and must be fully cooked to prevent foodborne illness.

2. Consume in moderation

Excessive consumption may affect health.

3. Not suitable for people with weak digestion

Its cooling nature may worsen spleen–stomach weakness.

4. Not suitable for pregnant women

Pregnant women should avoid eating frog meat.

5. Food combinations to avoid

Traditionally, frog meat should not be consumed together with:

• tofu
• cola
• yellow soybeans
  as these combinations are believed to be incompatible.