Soups

Niu Da Li, Chinese Yam and Lotus Seed Lean Pork Soup

Traditionally used to support the body's resistance during flu season

In short: Niu Da Li, Chinese Yam and Lotus Seed Lean Pork Soup is a soup that Traditionally used to support the body's resistance during flu season. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, immune support. Total time about 1 hr 45 min. Key ingredients: chinese yam, lotus seeds, red dates, lean pork.

Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Total
1 hr 45 min
Makes
1.2 L
Niu Da Li, Chinese Yam and Lotus Seed Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Flu is busiest in the autumn and winter and spreads easily, so Nourilo reminds children, elders and anyone fragile to take care. Beyond a flu shot and regular exercise, a nourishing pot of soup is one homely way to keep the body strong. This one uses ingredients traditionally said to support resistance and ease tiredness — and best of all it has almost no medicinal taste, so the little ones will not push it away.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961
  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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