This "precious as jade" seed helps improve health in the summer, soothes the nerves and cools the body

According to Oriental medicine, lotus seeds have a sweet and acrid taste and are neutral in nature; into the heart, spleen, and kidney meridians. The effects of nourishing the mind, benefiting the kidneys, nourishing the spleen, waxing the intestines, calming the fetus, and improving water flow. Used as a tonic, to treat spleen deficiency , kidney deficiency, wet dreaming, gonorrhea, lower cervix, insomnia, and neurasthenia.

According to modern medicine, lotus seeds contain a number of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols that are good for health. The same content of protein, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus is high, while the content of saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol is very low.

Specifically, in 100 grams of fresh lotus seeds there are about 350 calories; 63 - 68 grams of carbohydrates; 17 - 18 grams of protein but only contains 1.9 - 2.5 grams of fat. Lotus seeds also contain other healthy minerals such as calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, selenium and manganese.

1. Effects of lotus seeds on health

Below are some health effects of lotus seeds that you can refer to. Note, for those who are being treated and want to use lotus seeds as medicine, they should consult a doctor before using to avoid unwanted side effects.

- Nutritious

Lotus seeds are known to be a food with high nutritional value and are a great addition to a healthy and nutritious diet. Thanks to containing a large amount of carbs in each serving as well as micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Calcium in particular has been shown to support bone health, help lower blood pressure and reduce overall cholesterol levels.

Meanwhile, magnesium is necessary for a series of metabolic reactions in the body, participating in protein synthesis, nerve function, muscle contraction, etc.

Remedies from lotus seeds help restore health to long-term sick people, the elderly, and postpartum women with weakened bodies:

Prepare 30 grams of washed lotus seeds, 30 grams of sugar , 30 ml of wine, 1 egg. Boil the lotus seeds until cooked, then add sugar, wine and egg yolks to the pot, stir to dissolve, and boil again. Eat before bedtime.

- Enhance cardiovascular health

Low magnesium levels in the body have long been shown to increase the risk of heart attack. Lotus seeds are high in magnesium and folate , which help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery of nutrients to organs in the body. Thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and other heart-related diseases.

Lotus seeds are also rich in potassium, which helps maintain heart function and expand peripheral blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events caused by hypertension.

- Anti-aging properties

Lotus seeds contain an enzyme called L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase that helps repair and enhance collagen production in the body. This ingredient is also added to cosmetics to "reverse" and reduce the signs of aging caused by age.

- Good for sleep

Isoquinoline alkaloids , alkalis, and aromatic glucocides found in lotus seeds and lotus hearts help these seeds help soothe and reduce nervous spasms caused by stress, thereby improving sleep quality.

Remedy from lotus seeds helps nourish the mind and calm the mind:

Prepare 12 grams of apple cider vinegar, 12 grams of ginseng , 12 grams of fenugreek, 12 grams of Phuc Than, 12 grams of astragalus, 12 grams of ginseng , 4 grams of licorice , 6 grams of earthy skin . Bring all the prepared ingredients to boil and drink. Treats mental disorders such as not being able to sleep, heart palpitations, dizziness, dizziness...

- Supports blood sugar management

Lotus seeds are a food with a low glycemic index, so when eaten, they can help control blood sugar levels effectively. People with diabetes can choose to eat pure dried lotus seeds as a light, healthy snack.

- Improve sexual health

As a food containing many highly biologically active compounds, lotus seeds have long been added as ingredients to remedies to help improve sexual desire. Antioxidants help enhance and promote blood flow to the reproductive organs, providing necessary nutrients and energy, thereby improving sexual health and fertility.

Remedy for kidney tonic and essence from lotus seeds:

Prepare lotus meat, ba kich, tonic bone chi, mountain enemy, dragon bones, father and son, and bamboo shoots in equal doses. Grind everything together into a fine powder, use sticky rice paste to make balls. Take 12 grams at a time, should be taken on an empty stomach, mixed with light salt water. Treats kidney failure, spermatorrhea, gonorrhea, lower...

- Supports weight loss

According to Healthline , eating lotus seeds is low in calories and can support weight loss because the protein in lotus seeds helps reduce appetite and the fiber in lotus seeds also moves slowly through the digestive tract, making you feel full. longer.

Some studies also show that consuming more fiber-rich foods can help promote belly fat loss as well as support more effective weight loss and fight obesity.

- Rich in fiber, good for digestion

Lotus seeds are foods rich in fiber that are good for digestion, promote bowel movements and prevent constipation. Adding lotus seeds to your daily diet will help improve overall intestinal health.

In addition, alkaloid plant compounds in lotus seeds have the effect of reducing intestinal spasms, effectively reducing symptoms of diarrhea.

Remedy to strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea from lotus seeds:

Prepare 16 grams of jasmine, 6 grams of royal jelly, 12 grams of ginseng . Bring the prepared ingredients to boil and drink. The remedy is effective in treating spleen deficiency, cholera and dysentery that cannot be cured for a long time, causing difficulty in speaking and eating.

- Good for pregnant women and fetuses

100 grams of dried lotus seeds contain up to 104 micrograms of folate (equivalent to 26% of the recommended daily folate value). This is an essential ingredient against fetal neural tube defects in early pregnancy.

- Clears heat, reduces internal heat

Lotus seeds combined with lotus heart contain many different alkaloids such as liensinine and isoliensinine. Using it can help relieve internal heat and effectively clear heat.

2. Be careful when eating lotus seeds

If you have a history of allergy to nuts, it is best not to eat lotus seeds or try a small amount to test your body's allergic reaction. If your body develops a rash, hives, swelling of the lips and mouth, burning tongue or throat, you should stop to avoid more dangerous allergic reactions.

Because it is rich in fiber, people with constipation, flatulence, and bloating should not eat lotus seeds.

For young children, many people think that feeding them lotus seeds will be "great" for their health, but this concept is not correct. Lotus seeds are rich in nutrients, so they can make it difficult for young children's immature digestive systems to absorb and can even lead to allergies, anorexia, indigestion, and bloating.

There is some information about alkaloid compounds in lotus hearts that can cause people suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmia and rapid heartbeat when consumed, causing more serious symptoms. Therefore, people with cardiovascular disease who want to add lotus seeds to their diet should remove the lotus seeds and consult a doctor first to receive appropriate advice.

3. How to preserve fresh lotus seeds

There are many ways to preserve fresh lotus seeds. You can take fresh lotus seeds with the outer green skin removed (do not rinse with water), remove the lotus center and store in a zip bag or clear glass food container. freezer. With this way of preserving fresh lotus seeds in the freezer, lotus seeds can have a maximum shelf life of 14 days. When preparing, just put it out without defrosting.

In addition to storing in the freezer, fresh lotus seeds can also be stored in the refrigerator. This way of preservation helps lotus seeds retain their original flavor, freshness and crispiness. However, if stored in the refrigerator, the shelf life of fresh lotus seeds will be shorter, about 1 week. Make sure the storage temperature in the cooler is not higher than 15 degrees Celsius so that the lotus seeds do not get damaged.

Lotus seeds can be used to prepare many different dishes such as lotus seed water, lotus seed porridge, meat stews with lotus seeds, dried lotus seeds, lotus seed jam... Lotus seeds are a food. Nutritious foods are good for health but cannot replace medication prescribed by a doctor.