Floating lotus plant (nelumbo sunflower seed) It is an aquatic plant native to Asia. The plant’s stems, leaves and seeds have been valued in culture, cooking and medicine since ancient times.
Although found mostly in Southeast Asia, the lotus plant can be purchased in pieces or whole worldwide. Its leaves, roots, leaves and seeds can be prepared and consumed in many ways to support your health.
This article explains the medicinal and nutritional benefits and uses of the floating lotus plant. It also explains the side effects of floating lotus plant.
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Cultural Importance of Lotus Plant
Floating lotus has been used as medicine, vegetable and functional food for 7000 years. It is considered a sacred plant in Asian cultures. It is associated with rebirth and spiritual enlightenment, as it dives into the murky waters of the river every night, grows there, and reemerges fresh and clean the next day.
The lotus plant has different qualities across cultures. For Buddhists, the flower represents a reminder that all beings have the potential to achieve enlightenment.
To the ancient Egyptians, the lotus plant represented the universe and could resurrect the dead. In Hindu culture, gods and goddesses sit on lotus thrones.
Lotus Plant Medicinal Compounds
Various parts of the lotus plant have been used in folk medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and medicine to treat a wide variety of disorders. ayurvedaancient Indian system of natural medicine.
The effects of the lotus plant are due to the following medicinal compounds it naturally contains:
- Flavonoids Nutrients such as quercetin are commonly found in plant foods. They have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. These compounds also have neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.
- alkaloids They are compounds that occur naturally in plants and contain one or more nitrogen atoms. When isolated from plants, alkaloids have antibacterial, antiproliferation, antiviral, insecticidal and antimetastatic properties for some types of cancer.
- polyphenols It acts as an antioxidant. They help protect your body by neutralizing free radicals (molecules that arise as byproducts of metabolism) that can damage cells.
- terpenoids It has biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant effects. They may also reduce inflammation.
- phytosterolsor plant sterols have a structure similar to human cholesterol. These compounds can potentially lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, in humans when consumed in high amounts or extracted from the plant and taken as a daily supplement.
Benefits of Eating and Drinking the Lotus Plant
The benefits of eating or drinking the lotus plant have been claimed since ancient times. These plants are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. They are also a rich source of dietary fiber and the following nutrients:
Research shows that eating or drinking the lotus plant can affect many body systems. The components of this low-calorie, high-fiber and nutrient-rich plant may have the following properties:
- Antioxidant: Control of free radicals linked to cell damage and disease
- Anti-inflammatory: Reducing tissue inflammation that occurs with injury and some diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and rheumatoid arthritis
- Antisteroidogenic: Suppression of hormones, including estrogen, hypothalamic gonadotropin– Releasing hormone, pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Antipyretic: Reducing high body temperature
- Antiobesity: Reducing body weight
- Antiviral: Therapeutic activity against certain viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)
- Antidiabetic: Regulation of insulin secretion, glucose uptake and glucose output
- Effects of aging: Reducing symptoms of loss of elasticity, wrinkles, fine lines, acne and other skin problems
- Hepatoprotective: Protection of liver cells against toxic substances
- Anticancer: Potential antitumor effect with potential use in the prevention and treatment of cancer
Research in 2020 shows that the neuroprotective properties of the lotus plant may also inhibit key enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Other Herbs That Help Inflammation
Inflammation occurs as a natural immune system response to injury, allergens, infection, and chronic disease. Signs of inflammation include pain, redness, heat, swelling, and loss of function; However, the problem can also occur without symptoms.
Treatment of inflammation varies depending on the disease or condition causing the symptoms. The following substances from plants have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in reducing inflammation:
How to Prepare Lotus Plant?
There are many ways to prepare different parts of a lotus plant. The edible parts of the lotus plant include its flowers, leaves, root, seed and stem.
Lotus Roots and Stems
Lotus root is a cylindrical and brown tube. It has a crispy and mild taste. After peeling, the lotus root is sliced diagonally, revealing a lace-like design with pea-sized holes.
Lotus stems are usually peeled and cooked before use. They have a taste comparable to beets.
Lotus roots and stems are prepared in the following ways:
- Boil for five to 10 minutes to soften
- Chicken cooked as vegetables in vegetable or pork broth (lotus root soup)
- pan fried
- steamed
- Fried
- tempura fries
Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds have a crunchy and juicy consistency. They grow in pods with cavities, each containing about 20 seeds. They are usually prepared in the following ways:
- Similar to green almonds, with a neutral, slightly bitter and sweet taste, consumed raw as a snack
- Roasted to a chewy, firm and crunchy texture with a chickpea-like flavor, eaten plain or used as a coffee substitute.
- Popped like popcorn
- It is ground, boiled and turned into syrup or paste to be used as an ingredient in traditional breads, pastries and desserts.
Lotus Leaves
Lotus leaves are typically used as wraps for foods to impart an earthy tea-like aroma and taste, especially when steamed. Common uses include using them to wrap rice or chicken during cooking.
A popular recipe called lo mai gai involves steaming lotus leaves filled with sticky rice, Chinese sausages, and vegetables. The leaves can also be consumed as tea.
Lotus Leaves
Lotus leaves are the main ingredient of lotus tea. They can also add a sweet and fragrant taste to salads, soups and desserts.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Consuming lotus plants in amounts used in cooking and snacking is probably safe for most adults. Lotus flower may cause bloating, indigestion or constipation when eaten excessively.
Although allergy to the lotus plant is not common, children may be allergic to lotus seeds due to their sensitive and immature digestive systems.
The following symptoms are signs of an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention:
- swelling of the tongue
- Vomiting and/or stomach cramps
- Hives
- Grunt
- Shortness of breath
- recurring cough
- Shock or circulatory collapse
- Difficulty swallowing or tightness in the throat
- Pale or blue skin color
- weak pulse
- Dizziness or fainting feeling
- Anaphylaxis (a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction that can send your body into shock and prevent breathing)
Although lotus contains several medicinal compounds that have the potential to affect health benefits, these chemicals may have negative interactions with certain types of medications. Take the following precautions when consuming the lotus plant in food or drink:
Avoid taking lotus with anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anti-inflammatory medications, as lotus may increase your risk of bleeding.
Lotus herb has the potential to lower blood sugar levels and may interact with some diabetic medications. If you are taking antidiabetic medication, monitor your blood sugar levels while consuming lotus.
Avoid consuming lotus plant if you are taking anti-arrhythmic medications. Lotus may have anti-arrhythmic activity, which affects your heart rate and the effectiveness of these medications.
Avoid consuming lotus if you are taking high blood pressure medication. Lotus herb may lower your blood pressure and may interact with antihypertensive medications to lower your blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Lotus plants have properties that may aid digestion and reduce diarrhea. However, people with constipation should not consume the lotus plant because these properties may worsen the problem.
To protect unborn children and young children from adverse effects, do not consume lotus plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Where to Find Quality Lotus Plant?
The lotus plant is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia, especially India and China. Plants are commercially produced for parts available in Asia, the South Pacific, Australia and South America.
Lotus plants are sold in fresh markets in the regions where they are grown. Approximately 70% of water lilies produced for human consumption originate from China.
You can purchase lotus plants through worldwide distributors, online retailers and Asian grocery stores. Many general grocery chains also carry the lotus plant and/or plant parts such as seeds or roots.
When choosing the lotus plant or its components, look for the following characteristics:
- Root: Fresh lotus root should have smooth and flawless skin.
- Seeds: Lotus seeds grow in pods containing about 20 seeds. Fresh seeds are firm, plump and chewy. As they mature, they turn brown-black.
- Skin: The skin of the tuber should be smooth and free of tears or cracks.
When pieces of lotus plants are sliced, rinse them in vinegar or lemon water until cooked to prevent browning. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Summary
The floating lotus plant has been valued for its health effects for thousands of years. Research shows that the use of lotus plants in Asian medicine is compatible with the effects of some compounds in this plant.
Although native to southeast Asia, the lotus plant is sold worldwide in local food stores or online, but this does not reduce the problems the plant can cause if you have health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
If you have any chronic health conditions or are taking medications known to affect this herb, consult your healthcare provider before consuming lotus herb in any form.