Lotus Root is an aquatic plant with an elongated, Plump, pale brown culinary root vegetable which ranges in size from 10cm to 1.2 meters. The root is actually a stem of the lotus plant which rises from the muddy bottom of a river or pond to support the gentle flowers resting peacefully on the leaves.
The roots are plain-looking vegetables with a pale brown skin and a Plump, elongated appearance. However, on the inside, the vegetables appear preforated so that when you slice them they look somewhat like beautiful, milky white snowflakes.
The roots have mild bitterness and sweet starchiness taste, which is pleasantly crunchy and tender.
• A vine that entwines around tree trunks. it has tendrils that become thorny when they harden. the leaves have highly visible veins. the rhizome is woody and looks like a large yam (or sweet-potato) and may weigh as much as 20kgs. its native to humid mountainous regions.
Difference Between Lotus and Water Lily
1) Lotus has wide and unarranged Sheath while water lily has sharp and arranged Sheath.
2) Lotus leaf grow up to the surface while water lily’s leaf float at surface. So, lotus’s leaf come from the bottom to the surface while water lily’s leaf already at the surface.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
• Other Uses: Tranquilizer, Cardiotonic and in kidney and Skin diseases.
Usable Parts
aerial parts, stem and rhizome
Directions of Preparation
• Boil 1 teaspoon of stems or rhizome in 1tr of Water.
Recommended Dosage
• Drink 1 cup every 12 hours
Its Active Constituents:
Lotus contain:
• Isoquinoline Alkaloids divided into three (3) categories: monobenzylisoquinolines, aporphines (such as nuciferine, O-nornuciferine, N-nornuciferine, anonaine, Roemerine, dehydronuciferine, and pronuciferine), and bisbenzylisoquinolines (including liensinine, isoliensinine, and neferineare).
• Essential B-complex Vitamins (such as Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Folate, ThiaminePantothenic Acid) and small amounts of Vitamins (such as Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B3).
• Lotus Root is very good in Dietary Fiber, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6.
• Lotus Root has average trace of Carbohydrate, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Vitamin B5.
• Alkaloids (including liensinine, isoliensinine, referine, lotusine, methylcorypalline, and demethylcoclaurine).
• It has been found to be a rich source of Vitamin C, a low-calorie food and a good source of Protein, Fiber, Minerals and phyto-nutrients.
Seeds contain:
• Isoquinoline Alkaloids (neferine, liensinine, Vitexin, Quercetin 3-O-glucoside, and northalifoline)
Precaution:
* Lotus Root should never be eaten raw because there is a high risk of parasitic Infection (such as Fasciolopsis buski). The preferred cooking methods include frying, Steaming or boiling and the tender rhizomes make an excellent salad or side dish.
Health Benefits of Lotus Root
Bones
• Lotus Root contains some Calcium, essential to maintaining strong Bones and healthy teeth.
• Manganese is important to Bone Health and reduces inflammation.
Foods & Bones
Cardiovascular System
• Lotus Root Dietary Fiber binds to the fat in the ingested food and prevents it from being absorbed at the intestinal level along with nutrients, thus indirectly contributing to cardiovascular health by lowering blood Cholesterol levels and LDL (bad) Cholesterol, which can clog arteries and lead to cardiovascular problems (such as heart attack, Stroke, and heart disease).
• Lotus Root contain Vitamin C (found in Lotus Root) is essential to heart health, decreasing LDL Cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Lotus Root contain Niacin (a B-vitamin found in Lotus Root) is necessary to help reduce Cholesterol.
• Lotus Root contain Sodium and Potassium (which when available in proper ratio), work together to help in regulating body Fluids and blood pressure levels. Sodium affects the blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood and therefore increasing pressure. Potassium helps to relax the blood vessels, ensuring that blood flows to and from The Heart at a healthy rate, thus striking a Fluid balance in the body, which helps to minimize the affect of Sodium has on blood pressure.
• Its referine (an Alkaloid) has been shown to have a vasodilating effect and liensinine has Anti-hypertensive and anti-arrhymic abilities.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Lotus Root helps to improve the circulation of blood flow by ensuring that all the organs in the body are properly oxygenated.
• Its rich Copper and Iron content also encourages the production of red blood cells, thus preventing symptoms of Anemia.
• Lotus Root contain Copper which enables the Metabolism of Iron and helps keep blood vessels strong, supple, and healthy.
• Lotus Root contain Iron which helps with the Metabolism of Copper and is a necessary part of red blood cell production.
• Lotus Root contain Riboflavin (a B-vitamin) which helps to generate Energy and healthy red blood cells.
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• The Sodium and Potassium content found in Lotus Root work in conjunction to maintain Fluid balance.
• A boiled liquid made of the stem or the rhizome is useful as a blood purifier, an energizer and to induce perspiration. Its principle use is for the treatment of Anemia and Arthritis.
Foods & Detoxification
Digestive System
• Lotus Root promotes Digestive health as its Dietary Fiber initiate fermentation processes within the Digestive tract from which healthy gut bacteria may profit.
• Lotus Root is loaded with Dietary Fiber, which helps to add bulk to stool and encourages bowel movements, facilitating their passing through The Intestine and thus relieving Constipation.. Adding bulk to stools also helps prevent the development of Diarrhea.
• The rich Fiber content also encourages the release of gastric juices, helping to break the food down and absorb nutrients.
Foods & Digestive System
Energy
• Lotus Root B-complex Vitamins (such as ThiamineRiboflavin and Pyridoxine) ensure good Energy levels by means of an appropiate Carbohydrate synthesis.
Foods & Energy
Eye
• Lotus Root contain a significant amount of Vitamin A, which is important to maintain your vision while preventing macular degeneration.
Foods & Eye
Hair
• Lotus Root good amounts of Copper promotes healthy Hair and Eyes.
Note:
* Copper deficiency (in time), lead to premature Hair graying and iris discoloration, two major signs of aging.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Lotus Root contain great amounts of Vitamin C, Copper and other Phytochemicals with anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin C and Copper both offer protection against free radical damage buildup and a vital element of which helps boosts the body’s Immune System by protecting it against viral Infections).
• The root contain several B-vitamin which immensely benefit the body. Pyridoxine (important to the functioning of the nervous, Digestive, and Cardiovascular Systems), ThiamineEye, Digestive, heart, and nerve health) and Pantothenic Acid (boosts hemoglobin levels and Immune System, and helps to maintain the health of Skin and Hair).
Foods & Immune System
Infections
• Lotus Root owes its impressive anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to its high Vitamin C content which stimulates immunity, thus helping to improve and reduce the frequency of viral and bacterial Infections.
Foods & Infections
Musculoskeletal System
• Its Vitamin C encourages the regeneration and repair of tissues, helping your body to heal Wounds and to a smooth and healthy-looking complexion, while its Zinc (found in Lotus Root) helps balance Hormones and maintain muscle health.
• Folate (a B-Vitamin Also found in Lotus Root) is important to fetal development and maintaining heart health.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Skin Health
• Lotus Root rich in Vitamin C, which encourages the development of Collagen (a structural Protein in body that essential to maintaining the Skin’s structure and preventing the development of age spots, sunspots, and fine lines).
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Lotus Root are a rich source of B-complex Vitamins (such as ThiamineRiboflavin and Pyridoxine), which help support Nervous System activity such as improving memory and concentration, and stregthening nerves.
• The root contain Magnesium which helps to reduce Anxiety, prevent Migraines Headaches, and boost Energy.
• The root contains Pyridoxine (a B-Vitamin Known to encourage mental balance).
• Pyridoxine is known to increase your sense of well-being and inspire mental stability.
• Pyridoxine works directly with the neural receptors that dictate your mental state and mood. These receptors also inFluence Stress levels and Headaches.
Foods & Nervous System
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Lotus Root
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Lotus Root (Raw)
