The floating lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) 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 the lotus plant is most common in Southeast Asia, it can be purchased in pieces or whole worldwide. The leaves, roots, petals and seeds can be prepared and consumed in many ways to support your health.
This article describes the medicinal and nutritional benefits and uses of the floating lotus plant. It also explains the side effects of the floating lotus plant.
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Cultural significance of the lotus plant
The 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 river water, where it grows, and emerges fresh and clean the next day.
The lotus plant has different attributions in different 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 bring the dead back to life. In Hindu culture, gods and goddesses sit on lotus thrones.
Medicinal compounds from lotus plants
Various parts of the lotus plant have been used to treat a wide range of conditions in folk medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedathe ancient Indian natural healing system.
The effect of the lotus plant has its origins in the following medicinal substances that it naturally contains:
- Flavonoids Like quercetin, nutrients are commonly found in plant foods. They possess anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. These compounds also have neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.
- Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds in plants that have one or more nitrogen atoms. When isolated from plants, alkaloids have properties that are antibacterial, antiproliferative, antiviral, insecticidal, and antimetastatic to some types of cancer.
- Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They help protect your body by neutralizing free radicals (molecules that occur as a byproduct of metabolism) that can damage cells.
- Terpenoids have biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant effects. They can also reduce inflammation.
- Phytosterolsor plant sterols have a similar structure to human cholesterol. These compounds can potentially lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in humans when consumed in large amounts 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 shows that eating or drinking the lotus plant can affect many body systems. Parts of this low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich plant may have the following characteristics:
- Antioxidant: Controls free radicals associated with cell damage and disease
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduction of tissue inflammation that occurs with injury and some diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and rheumatoid arthritis
- Antisteroidogenic: Suppression of hormones, including estrogen, hypothalamus gonadotropin-releasing hormone, pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Antipyretic: Reduction of elevated body temperature
- Anti-obesity: Reduction of 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 production
- Effects of aging: Reduction of symptoms of loss of elasticity, wrinkles, fine lines, acne and other skin problems
- Hepatoprotective: Protection of liver cells against toxic substances
- Anticancer: Potential antitumor activity with possible use in the prevention and treatment of cancer
2020 research 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 injury, allergens, infections and chronic diseases. Signs of inflammation include pain, redness, heat, swelling and loss of function, although the problem can also exist without symptoms.
Treatment for inflammation varies depending on the disease or condition causing the symptoms. The following substances derived from plants have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in reducing inflammation:
How to prepare a lotus plant
There are many ways to prepare different parts of a lotus plant. The edible parts of the lotus plant include the flowers, leaves, root, seed and stem.
Lotus roots and stems
The lotus root is a cylindrical and brown tube. It is crispy and mild in taste. After peeling, the lotus root is cut crosswise, revealing a lace-like design with pea-sized holes.
Lotus stems are usually served peeled and boiled before use. They have a taste similar to beets.
Lotus roots and stems are prepared in the following ways:
- Boiled for five to ten minutes to soften
- Cooked as a vegetable in chicken, vegetable or pork broth (lotus root soup)
- Stir-fried
- Steamed
- Stewed
- Tempura-fried
Lotus seeds
Lotus seeds have a fresh, juicy consistency. They grow in pods with cavities that each contain about 20 seeds. They are generally prepared in the following ways:
- Raw as a snack with a neutral, subtly bitter and sweet taste similar to green almonds
- Roasted to a chewy, hard and crunchy texture with a taste similar to chickpeas, eaten plain or used as a coffee substitute
- Popped like popcorn
- Ground and cooked into a syrup or paste for use as an ingredient in traditional breads, pastries and desserts
Lotus leaves
Lotus leaves are commonly used to give an earthy, tea-like aroma and flavor to food packaging, especially when steamed. Common uses include using it to wrap rice or chicken while cooking.
A popular recipe called lo mai gai involves steaming lotus leaves stuffed with glutinous rice, Chinese sausages and vegetables. The leaves can also be drunk in tea.
Lotus petals
Lotus petals are the main ingredient in lotus tea. They can also add a sweet and fragrant flavor 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. When eaten in excess, lotus can cause bloating, indigestion or constipation.
Although allergies to the lotus plant are 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
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Repeated cough
- Shock or circulatory collapse
- Problems swallowing or a tight throat
- Pale or blue skin color
- Weak pulse
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Anaphylaxis (a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction that can send your body into shock and hinder breathing)
Although lotus contains several medicinal compounds that may influence its health benefits, these chemicals can have adverse interactions with certain types of medications. Take the following precautions when consuming lotus plant in food or beverages:
Avoid using lotus along with anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anti-inflammatory drugs because lotus may increase the risk of bleeding.
Lotus plant has the potential to lower blood sugar levels and may interact with certain diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar levels when taking lotus if you are taking antidiabetic medications.
Avoid consuming lotus plants 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 are taking medications for high blood pressure. Lotus plant can lower your blood pressure and interact with antihypertensive medications to lower your blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Lotus plants have properties that can aid digestion and reduce diarrhea. However, people with constipation should not consume lotus plant as its properties can worsen this problem.
Do not use lotus plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding to protect unborn and young children from side effects.
Where can you find high-quality lotus plants
The lotus plant is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia, especially India and China. The plants are produced commercially for their useful parts in Asia, the South Pacific, Australia and South America.
Lotus plants are sold through fresh produce markets in the regions where they are grown. About 70% of the lotus produced for human consumption comes from China.
You can purchase lotus plants through distributors, online retailers and Asian grocers 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, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Carrot: Fresh lotus root should be smooth and have flawless skin.
- Seeds: Lotus seeds grow in pods containing about 20 seeds. Fresh seeds are tight, plump and tough. As they grow older, they turn brownish-black tones.
- Skin: The skin of the tuber should be smooth and free of cracks or cracks.
When pieces are cut from the lotus plants, rinse them in vinegar or lemon water until tender to prevent browning. Place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.
Resume
The floating lotus plant has been valued for thousands of years for its health effects. Research shows that the use of lotus plants in Asian medicine is in line with the effects of certain compounds in this plant.
Although the lotus plant is native to Southeast Asia, it is sold worldwide in local food stores or online, but this does not diminish the problems the plant can cause if you have health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Consult your doctor before consuming lotus plants in any form if you have chronic health conditions or are taking medications known to affect this plant.