Helath Benefits of Lotus Root, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 11, 2020
Lotus root is rich in nutrients and has a lot of beneficial effects. Health benefits of eating lotus root includes reduction in cholesterol, improves digestion, helps to lower blood pressure and also helps to boost the immunity system. Lotus root also helps to prevent some forms of cancer, balances your mood, helps to relieve depression, increases the blood pressure and also helps to maintain the proper enzymatic activity in your body.
You can now comsume lotus root available different forms such as lotus root chips, tea, lotus root soup and lotus root powder which are not only sooth your taste buds but also offer helath benefits which we discuss in below section in detailed way.
What is Lotus Root?
Lotus root is an underwater root vegetable and it has a shape resembling a long squash. It can grow up to a length of 4 feet. The lotus flower has been used for many years in many Asian countries and represents purity, sexual innocence and divine beauty. Lotus root can be eaten raw, stir-fried, steamed, braised and sautéed and it is available throughout the year.
Nutritional Value of Lotus Root
Lotus root does not have any cholesterol and are is very low in calories. Lotus root has a unique mixture of vitamins, minerals and nutrients which are very beneficial for our body. The minerals present in lotus root are potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron and manganese and vitamins like thiamin, pantothenic acid, zinc, vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Lotus root also has good quantities of dietary fiber and protein.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
Vitamins and Minerals in Lotus root
Health Benefits of Lotus Root
Lotus root increase blood circulation
Consumption of lotus root gives you an energy boost as it regulates blood circulation. Proper circulation implies that all organs of the body are properly oxygenated. Lotus root is rich in copper and iron and stimulates the formation of red blood cells.
Lotus root helps to regulate blood pressure
Lotus root is rich in potassium which is a vasodilator. Potassium helps to maintain between the fluids in our body and even counteracts the effects of sodium. Potassium also helps to keep the blood vessels relaxed and increases blood flow by reducing the rigidity and contraction of blood vessels. This reduces the pressure on the cardiovascular system.
Lotus root helps in digestion
Lotus root has good content of dietary fiber. This dietary fiber adds bulk to the stool and facilitates its easy expulsion from the body. This ensures that we do not suffer from ailments like diarrhea and constipation. The rich fiber content present in Lotus root also helps to release the gastric juices which help to break down food and absorb the nutrients.
Lotus root Strengthens body immunity power
Lotus root is rich in Vitamin C which is a really powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C tends to act against the free radicals in our body and thus protects us from various diseases like heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C present in Lotus root is also an integral part of collagen that helps to maintain the strength and rigidity of blood vessels, skin and organs.
Lotus root for mental health
Lotus root contains Vitamin B complex and pyridoxine is one of its components. Pyridoxine helps to regulate your mood and mental health in general by interacting with the neural receptors of the brain. Lotus rootalso helps to deal with other disorders like headaches, stress levels and irritability.
Lotus root for heart healthy
Lotus root has certain components that are really beneficial for our heart. It contains potassium, a vasodilator, and dietary fiber which help to remove the cholesterol from our blood. This lotus root vegetable also has pyridoxine which controls the homocysteine levels in the blood and helps to keep our hearts healthy.
Lotus root treats respiratory problems
Consumption of lotus root helps to cleanse the respiratory system and prevents us from contracting any respiratory disease. This vegetable helps to remove accumulated mucus and provides relief from cough. Lotus root juice also helps to treat illnesses like tubercolosis and asthma.
Presence of Vitamin A in Lotus root
Lotus root Helps to treat fungal infections and bleeding disorders
Intake of lotus root helps to deal with fungal infections like ringworm, smallpox and leprosy. Leaves of lotus root help to treat excessive sweating, fever, bleeding disorders, nosebleed and blood in urine.
Uses of Lotus Root
Lotus root has a texture similar to potatoes and tastes like coconut. They are often used as salads and sometimes added as an extra flavoring element to prawn dishes. Consumption of lotus root helps to maintain skin structure prevents the development of age spots, sunspots and age lines. All parts of lotus root can be used for medicinal purposes and the seeds and stems are used in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to prevent premature graying of hair and even acts as a moisturizing agent for your skin.
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Side-Effects & Allergies of Lotus Root
Despite all the nutritional benefits, lotus root should never be used as a substitute for traditional medicine. A doctor should always be consulted before using lotus root for treating any ailment. Finally, lotus root should never be consumed raw as it tends to contain parasites that may be detrimental to our health.
Cultivation of Lotus Root
Lotus root has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. In China, the archaeological remains of this vegetable date back 700 years. Lotus is primarily grown in Asian countries like china, Japan, India, Indonesia and Philippines but is also widely cultivated in various parts of the world.
Lotus plant is a beautiful plant which has its roots embedded to the bottom of the lake, stream or rivers while the pad and the flower remains on top of water. Seeds can germinate long after falling dormant as it is an aquatic perennial plant. Seeds are to be planted in a glass of non-chlorinated and warm water. The lotus plant should be set in warm water until the temperature of water reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
References
- Mukherjee PK, Mukherjee D, Maji AK, Rai S, Heinrich M. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)–phytochemical and therapeutic profile. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2009 Apr;61(4):407-22. [Cited 25 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mehta NR, Patel EP, Patani PV, Shah B. Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus): a review on ethanobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research. 2013;1(4):152-67. [Cited 25 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mukherjee PK, Balasubramanian R, Saha K, Saha BP, Pal M. A review on Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. Ancient Science of life. 1996 Apr;15(4):268. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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