Lotus root is an edible rhizome that is rich in nutrients. Lotus root is used for cooking or as medicine in oriental medicine.
Hello, I am Charles, I have written many dishes from lotus root, in this article is information about lotus root, it not only can be cooked but also has many other health benefits that you need to know.
What is lotus root, what does lotus root taste like?
Lotus root is the enlarged rhizome of the lotus plant. The lotus plant is an aquatic plant, originating from Asia, originating from India in 1979.
Lotus root has a sweet, crunchy taste because it contains sodium and potassium.
Uses of lotus root
- Cooking: Lotus root has a lot of vitamins and minerals, so it can be used for cooking.
View More: 5 Most Delicious and Popular Lotus Root Recipes
- Making medicine: In Oriental medicine, lotus root is also considered a medicine used to treat many types of diseases.
Lotus root nutrition
100 g of fresh lotus root contains 79.10 g of water and 74 kcal of energy. Other nutrients found in lotus root are as follows:
- 2,60g protein
- 17,23g carbohydrate
- 4,9g chất xơ
- 45mg canxi
- 1,16mg sắt
- 23mg magiê
- 100mg phốt pho
- 556mg kali
- 450mg natri
- 0,39mg kẽm
- 44mg vitamin C
- 0,25mg vitamin B6
Health benefits of lotus root
1. Improve digestion
Lotus root is high in edible fiber. It increases stool bulk and reduces constipation symptoms by improving bowel movements. Lotus root is also beneficial in treating diarrhea.
2. Regulate blood pressure
Potassium found in lotus root helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. It ensures a balance between fluids in the body and prevents the effects of sodium in the blood, thereby maintaining normal blood pressure.
3. Enhance immunity
Vitamin C found in lotus root helps produce white blood cells, which act as a defense system against many diseases, thereby strengthening the body’s immune system.
4. Promotes heart health
Lotus root contains pyridoxine which helps reduce homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are linked to heart attack risk. In addition, potassium and fiber help remove cholesterol from the blood.
5. Reduce stress
Vitamin B6 found in lotus root helps produce two happy hormones called serotonin and dopamine. These hormones positively affect the brain and help improve mood by reducing stress.
6. Solve skin and hair problems
Vitamins B and C found in lotus root help make skin bright and hair smooth. These vitamins trigger the production of collagen in the body which improves skin health and makes you look younger.
7. Prevent macular degeneration
The antioxidant properties of lotus root help prevent macular degeneration. Including lotus root in the diet is beneficial in treating all types of eye problems and inflammation.
8. Helps manage weight
Lotus root is high in fiber and essential nutrients. It helps keep the stomach full for longer and controls hunger, thereby controlling weight and preventing obesity.
9. Improve brain health
Lotus root contains vitamin B6 which helps maintain good mental health by regulating mood. It also helps control stress and headaches.
10. May help prevent cancer
Vitamin C found in lotus root helps preserve DNA structure and reduce abnormalities related to mutated cells that lead to cancer. Therefore, eating lotus root will partly help prevent cancer.
Side effects of lotus root
Because lotus root is rich in starch, diabetics should not eat much of it. Lotus root is high in fiber, people with irritable colon, bloating and ulcerative colitis should avoid eating it.
Hello I’m Charles! From poverty with nothing to eat, I became a passionate cook with the wish to eat delicious food. I graduated from university with a major in food technology and have 7 years of experience as a professional chef on a cruise ship. Having experienced many culinary cultures from Asia to Europe and South America. Hopefully each of my articles will help you have a unique recipe and a delicious meal!
