Nutrient Composition of lotus seeds and their effects on health

Lotus seeds are the edible kernels of the lotus plant.The seeds are enclosed in "pot-shaped" pods arranged in a concentric fashion.

Lotus is a perennial herb of the genus Lotus.Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera.The lotus flower, root and seed have been revered in Chinese and Japanese cultures since ancient times.However,the seed symbolizes a complete representation of all four fundamental elements of nature; earth, water, air and heat.

Lotus seeds and lotus roots are the main crops in provinces such as Hubei,Hunan,Fujian and Jiangxi.Although perennial,lotuses bloom each year,completing a cycle from dormancy,root germination,flowering and seed, before dormancy again in winter.Its roots and stems grow underwater while its large green leaf pads and flowers float on the surface.In summer, the lotus begins to bloom.The sweet-smelling white to pink flowers,10-25 cm in diameter,attract many insects including bees. Round,disc-shaped soft fruit pods develop from fertilized flowers.Each cushion consists of polygonal dimples enclosing ovoid seeds.

Ripe lotus seeds are black,oval in shape,with a hard shell and as big as a pea.Inside,the dicotyledon has a creamy white core with a light green germ between the cotyledons.Fresh raw lotus kernels have a sweet and chewy texture and taste like green almonds.Dried seeds taste similar to chickpeas.

Lotus seed heart 

Inside each lotus kernel, there is a light green germ between the two cotyledons.This lotus seed is the germ of the lotus flower.Botanical name: Plumula Nelumbinis Nuciferae.The germ consists of two prominent inner curls and an accompanying stem.Farmers gently lift the embryos with their fingers to separate them from the kernels.These germs are dried in the sun and used in medicine and tea (lianxincha).

Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds

1. Raw fresh lotus seeds are sweet and chewy,while dried lotus seeds are crunchy and delicious after roasting.Fresh raw seeds contain only 89 calories per 100 grams;dry seeds contain 324 calories per 100 grams.

2. The energy of lotus seeds mainly comes from carbohydrates and protein,unlike other nuts whose high calorie value mainly comes from fat.

3. Seeds are also rich in fiber,vitamins, minerals, and a variety of health-promoting antioxidants.

4. Dried lotus seeds contain 15.4 grams or 27% of the daily value for protein.Phenylalanine,tyrosine,leucine,and lysine are among the essential amino acids. Studies have shown that lotus seed protein is a nutritionally balanced protein that may be of great importance in human dietary formulations.

5. Like other dicot seeds, lotus seeds are also gluten-free.They can be safely used in gluten-free food preparations as a healthy alternative for those with wheat gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

6. Both fresh and dried lotus seeds are excellent sources of folic acid. 100 grams of seeds provide 104 mcg or 26% of folic acid.Folate and vitamin B-12 are one of the important building blocks for DNA synthesis and cell division. Adequate folic acid diet during pregnancy may help prevent neural tube defects in newborns.

7. Lotus seeds are also an excellent source of B vitamins such as thiamine (53% of RDA/100g), riboflavin (11.5% of RDA/100g), niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B-6 (RDA 48%//100 grams). These vitamins act as cofactors for various enzymes in the metabolism of substrates in human cells.

8. In addition, the seeds contain high amounts of minerals such as Manganese (100% RDA//100g), Potassium (29% RDA/100g), Calcium, Iron (44% RDA//100g), Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium. Manganese is an important cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Along with other antioxidants like vitamin A, consuming lotus seeds may help boost immunity, fight infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals.

Medicinal value of lotus seeds

1. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus seeds and lotus seeds have special therapeutic significance.Studies have shown that alkaloids such as liensinine, cactusine, and isoliensinine in lotus seeds have sedative, antispasmodic and antihypertensive effects, which are beneficial to the heart.

 2. Chinese medicine believes that lotus seeds are food for nourishing yin. Remove excess heat from the heart and heat-induced spontaneous bleeding events.

 3. Chinese medicine believes that lotus seeds are "sweet" foods. Alkaloid compounds can actually slow down acute reactions and neutralize the toxic effects of other foods, as well as lubricate and nourish the body.

 4. In Chinese medicine, lotus seeds have been advocated for promoting sleep and relieving symptoms associated with semen and leucorrhea.

selection and storage.The green germ (lotus germ) in the seeds is bitter and should be removed before being marketed as food.Fresh raw lotus seed kernels can be easily bought during harvest season at local markets near Dahu counties in China's Hunan, Fujian, Hubei and Jiangxi provinces.However, dried seeds are readily available in stores in many parts of the world, including the United States.One may find seeds whole,popped,hulled, roasted, etc. at the grocery store.When purchasing dehulled, whole, dry seeds, look for uniform, compact, creamy-white seeds that are heavy to the touch.Avoid thin, small, shriveled seeds as they will produce poor quality kernels. They should be free of cracks, mold and spots, and not have a rancid smell.All black seeds with a hard shell will keep for many years.Shelled lotus kernels should be placed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place.

 Benefits of Lotus Seeds for Overall Health

The lotus is an aquatic plant of the genus Nymphaeaceae.While the flowers are used for decorative purposes,lotus seeds have been used as a functional food since ancient times,throughout Asia.The world's largest producer of lotus seeds is China, but the seeds are widely used in food and medicine in many Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia,Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.The seeds can be eaten raw,roasted or ground,peeled and boiled into a syrup or paste.It plays a vital role in nutrition, health and cosmetics and is added to a variety of foods including honey, tea, jams, juices and cakes.Boost your metabolism and immunity with our wide range of health and nutritional supplements!

Lotus seeds play a vital role in traditional medical practices; it is also used as a dry powder in bread dough to increase the bread's functional properties.As a traditional medicinal ingredient, lotus seeds have been used to treat inflammation,cancer,diuretics and skin disorders and to treat many ailments including insomnia,heart palpitations, indigestion, chronic diarrhea,enteritis and cancer.Nutritionally,it's rich in carbohydrates,protein,vitamins (including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamins A and E),and other essential minerals like magnesium,potassium, and sodium.They also contain high amounts of phytochemicals with valuable anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties.Read on to learn about the amazing health benefits of adding lotus seeds to your diet for optimal overall health.

Effects on Doshas

Lotus seeds are rich in natural astringent properties,which make it very effective in addressing pitta imbalances and maintaining the harmony of the triad of vata, pitta, and kafadosha.They have a satikta rasa which is slightly bitter and sweet or madhura aftertaste.They have the beneficial qualities of sheeta or gunas, which cools the body, tarpana means nourishing the organs, varnya means enriching the complexion, imparting a smooth, flawless and radiant appearance.

Dose:

The recommended dose of lotus seeds in powdered extract form is 3 to 6 grams per day,taken in small even doses after meals.It can be taken with a glass of warm water or milk with some honey added.However, always consult a professional Ayurvedic practitioner if there is any underlying medical condition and take only the prescribed dosage based on the health abnormality being treated.

Side effect

Microdoses of lotus seeds and powder are generally well tolerated by most people.In some cases,it can trigger intestinal problems such as indigestion, constipation and stomach cramps,so it should only be consumed after consulting a medical professional.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds

Enhance digestion

Lotus seeds are rich in fiber,which helps keep the digestive tract in order.It regulates appetite and controls untimely cravings, there by accelerating weight loss. Lotus seeds also detoxify the kidneys and liver,eliminating food waste and preventing them from accumulating in the body, thus maintaining a healthy gut.

Enhances heart health

Lotus seeds are rich in magnesium.Magnesium is the greatest channel blocker that improves the flow of blood,oxygen and other nutrients.Low levels of magnesium can make your body more prone to heart disease.The content of lotus seeds is so high that it causes a huge change in the condition of the heart. Its magnesium and folate nutrients reduce the risks associated with coronary heart disease and other heart-related diseases.

Has anti-aging effects

Enzymes present in lotus seeds are thought to inhibit aging.L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase is an enzyme that helps repair and maintain damaged proteins and promotes collagen synthesis in the body.Powdered lotus seeds are now added to various cosmetic products to reverse the skin aging process and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Promote Sleep

Lotus seeds are supposed to be sedative and antispasmodic,which means your nerves can relax better,leading to better sleep.It also aids in the dilation process of blood vessels and greatly helps in relieving depression and anxiety.This is due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids in lotus seeds.Also read Foods for a good night's sleep.

Help Manage Diabetes

Lotus seeds themselves have a low glycemic index.Therefore, they limit sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.Lotus seeds can also monitor the insulin response in the body and maintain the glucose content in the blood within the normal range.Consuming sun-dried or roasted lotus seeds as an evening snack is ideal for a diabetic diet.Since diabetics are at high risk of developing high blood pressure,or high blood pressure, lotus seeds also help stabilize blood pressure levels in the body.

Improve kidney function

Lotus seeds are rich in powerful astringent phytonutrients.This helps remove toxins and waste from the system,lowers acidity and prevents the formation of kidney stones.In addition,these small pits have a strong diuretic effect,which helps to smoothly discharge urine and other liquid waste from the kidneys and bladder, thereby enhancing kidney health and avoiding infection, kidney damage.

Promote Sexual Health

Rich in plant-based bioactive compounds,lotus seeds are an excellent aphrodisiac that can greatly increase libido and libido in both men and women.They stimulate blood circulation to the reproductive organs, thereby delivering vital nutrients and energy to these tissues,enhancing sexual health and fertility. Consuming some roasted lotus seeds in the daily diet can significantly promote libido and sexual performance,and effectively treat diseases such as erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women.

Extra Benefits

induce weight loss the rich alkaloids and flavonoids in lotus seeds can make the body get rid of excess weight faster.Due to their detoxifying properties,lotus seeds are effective in removing unwanted toxins from the body.They have a low glycemic index,which helps relieve sudden hunger pangs and keeps you full for longer.Therefore,eating lotus seeds plays a vital role in one's weight loss regimen.Seed powder also reduces the buildup of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) in the body,which improves metabolism and helps the body maintain a balanced weight.

Regulate blood pressure

Lotus seeds are rich in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium,an excellent combination for patients diagnosed with high blood pressure.Potassium in the seeds lowers blood pressure while sodium raises it to maintain a balanced blood pressure reading.Due to its powerful cardiotonic qualities, lotus seeds are very beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and also in avoiding prehypertensive activity.Therefore, it is best for people with high blood pressure to eat fox kernels or lotus seeds as snacks without worrying about a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Improve neurological function

Lotus seeds are an excellent source of thiamine,which can broadly help promote cognitive function.Consuming lotus seeds helps the body to produce acetylcholine which in turn aids in the neurotransmission process.This neurotransmission process is important for maintaining good nerve function.