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The floating lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) It is an aquatic plant native to Asia. The stems, leaves and seeds of the plant have been valued in culture, cuisine and medicine since ancient times.
Although most commonly found in Southeast Asia, the lotus plant can be purchased throughout the world in pieces or whole. Its leaves, roots, petals and seeds can be prepared and consumed in many ways to support health.
This article describes the medicinal and nutritional uses and benefits of the floating lotus plant. It also explains the side effects of floating lotus plant.
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Cultural importance of the lotus plant
Floating lotus has been used as medicine, vegetable and functional food for 7,000 years. It is considered a sacred plant in Asian cultures. It is linked to rebirth and spiritual enlightenment, as it is immersed every night in the murky water of the river, where it grows and resurfaces the next day, fresh and clean.
The lotus plant has different attributes depending on cultures. For Buddhists, the flower represents a reminder that all beings have the potential to achieve enlightenment.
For the ancient Egyptians, the lotus plant represented the universe and could resurrect the dead. In Hindu culture, gods and goddesses sit on lotus thrones.
Medicinal compounds of the lotus plant
Various parts of the lotus plant have been used to treat a wide range of disorders in folk medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedathe ancient indian natural system of medicine.
The actions of the lotus plant originate from the following medicinal compounds that it naturally contains:
- Flavonoids such as quercetin are nutrients 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 natural compounds in plants that have one or more nitrogen atoms. When isolated from plants, alkaloids have antibacterial, antiproliferative, antiviral, insecticidal, and antimetastatic properties for some types of cancer.
- polyphenols They act as antioxidants. They help protect your body by neutralizing free radicals (molecules produced as a byproduct of metabolism) that can damage cells.
- terpenoids They have biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant effects. They can also reduce inflammation.
- Phytosterols, or 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 large quantities or extracted from the plant and taken as a daily supplement.
Benefits of eating or drinking 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 indicates that eating or drinking the lotus plant can affect many systems in the body. The components of this low-calorie, high-fiber, nutrient-dense plant may have the following characteristics:
- Antioxidant: Control of free radicals that are related to cellular damage and diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduction of tissue inflammation that occurs with injuries and some diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Antisteridogenic: Suppression of hormones, including estrogen, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Antipyretic: Reduction of elevated body temperature.
- Anti-obesity: Reduction in 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 production.
- Effects of aging: Reducing symptoms of loss of elasticity, wrinkles, fine lines, acne and other skin problems.
- Hepatoprotective: Protection of liver cells against toxic materials.
- Anticancer: Potential antitumor action with potential use in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Research from 2020 indicates that the neuroprotective properties of the lotus plant may also inhibit key enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Other plants that help with inflammation
Inflammation occurs as a natural response of the immune system to injuries, allergens, infections and chronic diseases. Signs of inflammation include pain, redness, warmth, swelling, and loss of function, although the problem can also exist without symptoms.
Treatment of inflammation varies depending on the disease or condition causing the symptoms. The following substances derived from plants have anti-inflammatory properties useful in reducing inflammation:
How to prepare the 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, roots, seeds and stems.
Lotus roots and stems
The lotus root is a cylindrical, brown tube. It is crispy and mild in flavor. After peeling, the lotus root is cut crosswise to reveal a lace-like design with pea-sized holes.
Lotus stems are usually peeled before use and served cooked. They have a flavor comparable to beetroot.
Lotus roots and stems are prepared in the following ways:
- Boiled for five to 10 minutes to soften.
- Cooked as a vegetable in chicken, vegetable or pork broth (lotus root soup)
- sautéed
- steamed
- Slow cooked
- fried in tempura
lotus seeds
Lotus seeds have a crunchy and succulent consistency. They grow in pods with cavities and each one contains about 20 seeds. They are usually prepared in the following ways:
- Raw as a snack with a neutral flavor, subtly bitter and sweet similar to green almonds
- Roasted to a chewy, hard, crunchy texture with a chickpea-like flavor, it is eaten alone or used as a coffee substitute.
- Popped like popcorn
- Ground and boiled into a syrup or paste to use as an ingredient in traditional breads, cakes and desserts.
lotus leaves
Lotus leaves are typically used to impart an earthy, tea-like aroma and flavor to foods in wrapper form, especially when steamed. Common uses involve using them to wrap rice or chicken during cooking.
A popular recipe called lo mai gai involves steaming lotus leaves stuffed with sticky rice, Chinese sausages and vegetables. The leaves can also be enjoyed in tea.
lotus petals
Lotus petals are the main ingredient in lotus tea. They can also add a sweet, fragrant flavor to salads, soups, and desserts.
Side effects and drug interactions
Consumption of lotus plants in amounts used for cooking and snacking is likely safe for most adults. When eaten in excess, lotus can cause bloating, indigestion, or constipation.
While allergies to the lotus plant are not common, children can 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:
- tongue swelling
- Vomiting and/or stomach cramps.
- Urticaria
- wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- repetitive cough
- Shock or circulatory collapse
- Problems swallowing or tightness in the throat.
- Pale or blue skin color.
- weak pulse
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Anaphylaxis (a serious, life-threatening reaction that can shock the body and affect breathing)
While lotus contains several medicinal compounds that have the potential to affect health benefits, these chemicals can have adverse interactions with certain types of medications. Take the following precautions when consuming lotus plant in food or drinks:
Avoid taking lotus with blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anti-inflammatory medications, as lotus may increase the risk of bleeding.
The lotus plant has the potential to lower blood sugar levels and may interact with certain diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar levels when consuming lotus if you are taking antidiabetic medications.
Avoid consuming lotus plant if you are taking antiarrhythmic medications. Lotus may have antiarrhythmic activity that affects your heart rate and the effectiveness of these medications.
Avoid consuming lotus if you take medication for high blood pressure. The lotus plant may lower blood pressure and interact with antihypertensive medications to reduce blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Lotus plants have properties that can help digestion and reduce diarrhea. However, people with constipation should not consume lotus plant as these properties could worsen this problem.
Do not consume lotus plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding to protect fetuses and young children from adverse effects.
Where to find quality lotus plant
The lotus plant is native to tropical and semitropical regions of Asia, especially India and China. The plants are commercially produced for their usable parts in Asia, the South Pacific, Australia and South America.
Lotus plants are sold in fresh markets in the regions where they are grown. Around 70% of lotuses produced for human consumption originate in China.
You can purchase lotus plants through distributors, online retailers, and Asian grocery stores around the world. Many general supermarket chains also sell lotus plants and/or plant parts, such as seeds or roots.
When selecting the lotus plant or its components, look for the following characteristics:
- Root: Fresh lotus root should be soft and have blemish-free skin.
- Seeds: Lotus seeds grow in pods containing about 20 seeds. The fresh seeds are taut, plump and chewy. They turn to shades of brown-black as they mature.
- Fur: The skin of the tuber should be smooth and without tears or cracks.
When the pieces of the lotus plants are cut, rinse them with vinegar or lemon water until they are cooked to prevent browning. Refrigerate until you are ready to use them.
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 aligns with the effects of certain compounds in this plant.
Although native to Southeast Asia, the lotus plant is sold around the world in local food stores or online; However, this does not rule out the problems the plant can cause if you have health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Consult your healthcare provider before consuming lotus plants in any form if you have any chronic health problems or take medications known to affect this plant.
