Soups
Guava, Carrot and Corn Soup
Traditionally used to support steady blood sugar and natural defences
Why people make this soup
There are two kinds of guava worth knowing, says Bro Niu: the small, sweet, white-fleshed variety, and the larger green-skinned type — less sweet but high in fibre and low in sugar. It is this green guava that he likes for soup: traditionally associated with helping steady blood sugar and easing digestion, and high in vitamin C. Simmered with corn, carrot and lean pork, it makes a clear, gently sweet soup. Both kinds are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits those wishing to support steady blood sugar and overall immunity; clear and sweet enough for all ages.
- Food therapy supports a balanced lifestyle but does not replace medical care — if you are managing diabetes, please continue to see your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green guava (fan shi liu): Low in sugar and high in fibre; traditionally associated with supporting steady blood sugar and easing digestion, and rich in vitamin C.
- Corn (su mi): Traditionally used to support fluid balance and as a wholesome staple.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Low in calories; traditionally associated with supporting digestion and eyesight.
- Lean pork (shou rou): Adds nourishing body and savour to the soup.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green guava | 2 | Washed, cut in large chunks (skin on) |
| Corn | 2 cobs | Husked, cut into pieces |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Cut up and blanched |
Method
- Wash the guava and cut into large chunks, keeping the skin on. Husk and cut the corn; peel and chunk the carrot.
- Cut the pork into pieces and blanch in boiling water.
- Add everything to 7 bowls of water and simmer 1 hour, reducing to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear and sweet-tasting, suitable for young and old. It is also traditionally said to benefit the heart and help reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Lijuan): What herbs would a Chinese-medicine practitioner use to help with this? Bro Niu: Possibilities include American ginseng (hua qi shen), tai zi shen, Solomon’s seal (yu zhu), shi hu, Chinese yam (huai shan), goji and corn silk.
- Q (Hao / Lijuan): Can Chinese medicine cure diabetes? Bro Niu: Diabetes is best managed with both Chinese and Western medicine together. Chinese medicine cannot cure it, but it can help keep things from worsening; once well controlled, even without a full “cure” one can live like anyone else.
- Q (Lijuan): Which herbs help with the regulation? Bro Niu: Chinese yam, goji, corn with silk, Solomon’s seal, shi hu, pumpkin, bitter melon and guava are all associated with supporting healthy blood sugar. Look under the “diabetes” category on my site for related recipes.
Published February 3, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
