The Nutritional Value of Lotus Seeds
The lotus plant belongs to the gunnera family and has over 100 species, the most common being the white single-petal lotus, with each blossom having about 24 petals. Other lotus species, such as the double-petal lotus, can have over 100 petals per blossom and are usually pink or red. In Vietnam, lotus plants can be found in almost every province and city, and they offer many benefits in terms of nourishing and improving human health.
Lotus seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, while being low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. In medical practice, lotus seeds are considered precious medicine that can treat conditions such as general weakness, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, poor appetite, mental distress, and digestive disorders.
In 100g of lotus seeds, there are 350 calories, 63-68g of carbohydrates, and 17-18g of protein. The fat content is only 1.9-2.5g, and the remaining components are water and other minerals. Research shows that on average, every 100g of dried lotus seeds can provide approximately 18g of high-quality protein and dietary fiber. Additionally, lotus seeds do not contain sugar but have a pleasant aroma that appeals to many people.
Lotus seeds, also known as “lien nhuc” in Vietnamese, have a sweet taste and neutral properties. They are highly nutritious. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus seeds are considered a delicious and beneficial food as well as a valuable medicinal herb that nourishes the mind, benefits the kidneys, strengthens the body, and can improve conditions such as nocturnal emissions, restless sleep in men, diarrhea, insomnia, slow digestion, abdominal fullness, poor appetite due to high fever, and dehydration.
Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds
Promotes Better Sleep
According to traditional medicine, consuming lotus seeds can promote sleep due to the presence of glucoside and certain alkaloids that have a calming effect.
If you consume lotus seeds in the evening, your body will increase insulin production, which can lead to a more restful sleep. In addition to lotus seeds, drinking lotus stamen tea every day is also an effective remedy for insomnia.
Treats Insomnia
Lotus seeds are a valuable medicinal herb for nourishing the body and treating conditions such as insomnia and nervous exhaustion. Lotus seed-based dishes can nourish the body and have a calming effect, promoting better sleep. Many pregnant women often have difficulty sleeping, which can lead to fatigue and impact their own health as well as the well-being of their babies. Therefore, pregnant women should consume lotus seeds to improve their sleep quality.
Pregnant women should also be aware that lotus seeds have a green embryo, often referred to as “tam sen,” which has a slightly bitter taste that some people find challenging to eat. However, tam sen also has the beneficial properties of cooling the body, calming the mind, and lowering blood pressure.
Relieves Headaches
Research shows that lotus seeds contain a high level of proteins, carbohydrates, and various vitamins, including B-group vitamins, vitamin PP, and vitamin C (which is more abundant in fresh lotus). Therefore, lotus seeds are widely used in traditional herbal remedies for headaches, especially migraines.
To treat headaches, lotus seeds are often combined with other herbs or ingredients to enhance their medicinal properties. This remedy is effective in treating headaches and insomnia. Some of the other ingredients used in this remedy include longan, black beans, mung beans, mugwort, gardenia, and evodia.
Enhances Cognitive Function in Children
Lotus seeds are rich in calcium, protein, phosphorus, and can nourish the mind, benefit the kidneys, strengthen the body, invigorate vital energy, and have a positive effect on the development of the nervous system and fetal brain. Therefore, pregnant women should consume lotus seeds to give birth to healthy and intelligent babies.
Every day, take dried lotus seeds and dry-roasted non-glutinous rice in equal amounts (about 150-200g each). Grind them into a powder and consume 6-8g on an empty stomach.
Promotes Healthy, Beautiful Hair
In a recently published study in the American Journal of Molecular Medicine, the essential oil extracted from lotus petals, stamens, and rhizomes was found to have a positive effect on the regulation of melamine secretion, particularly a compound called plamitic acid methyl ester. This compound helps prevent premature graying, breakage, and aging of human hair caused by a lack of melamine.
Renews Facial Skin
In traditional Indian medicine, various parts of the lotus, such as flowers, seeds, and leaves, are used to enhance women’s beauty. In particular, lotus flowers are rich in linoleic acid protein, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They are used in relaxing spas or added as lotus essential oil to bathwater to exfoliate aging skin cells and improve blood circulation.
Additionally, lotus seeds contain many antioxidants, which can help prevent damage from free radicals in the body. These antioxidants are present in many delicious foods and can satisfy various taste preferences. Particularly, lotus petal extract is considered a “miracle product” that can fade age spots, freckles, and acne, leaving the skin radiant and smooth.
Regulates Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
Lotus seeds contain a significant amount of fiber, which helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Therefore, many doctors recommend that diabetic patients consume lotus seeds at least three times a week.
Furthermore, alkaloids and isoquinoline compounds present in the lotus embryo help dilate blood vessels, thus assisting in lowering high blood pressure.
