Bei Qi, Hawthorn, Adzuki Bean & Job's-Tears Soup

Why people make this soup

High uric acid is often blamed on rich, high-purine foods — organ meats, shellfish, seafood, beans, beer — that tax the kidneys, while research also points to a family tendency. Either way, experts agree the basics help most: balanced eating, managing weight, plenty of vegetables and fruit, enough water, and going easy on salt, sugar and alcohol. Alongside that sensible diet, Nourilo offers this mild, balanced soup as a supportive companion.

Method

1. Rinse and briefly soak all the ingredients.
2. Simmer in 1.8 L of water for 40 minutes, down to 900 ml.

Nourilo’s Tips

This brew is mild, with only a faint sourness, and suits those who are overweight or mindful of the “three highs” (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol). Pregnant women, however, should not take it.