Herbal Information for White Lotus Seeds
Health Benefits of White Lotus Seeds
White lotus seeds, also known as kamal seeds, are associated with various health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Here are some of the potential health benefits of white lotus seeds:
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Antioxidant Properties
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Pain Relief
- Traditional uses of lotus seeds include relieving pain, making them potentially beneficial for managing discomfort 3, [5].
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Heart and Liver Health
- Lotus seeds may have beneficial effects on heart and liver health. 2, [6].
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Immune System Support
- White lotus seeds are believed to have immune-boosting properties, which could help enhance overall immune function 1.
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Memory Improvement
- Proanthocyanidins in lotus seeds may contribute to reducing brain aging and cognitive impairment, potentially improving memory function 2.
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Blood Sugar Management
Cautions for White Lotus Seeds
- Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to lotus seeds, especially those who are allergic to nuts and seeds.
- Interaction with Medications: Lotus seeds may interact with certain medications, particularly diabetic medicines 2, 3.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or using lotus seeds for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Product Specifications
Common Name: Lotus Seed
Botanical name: Nelumbinis nucifera semen
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Kidney, Spleen
Pin Yin Name: Lian Zi Bai
Other Names: White Peeled Lotus Seeds, White Lotus Seed
Other Ingredients: None, nothing added to this product
Package Size: One Pound (1 lb)
Form: Seeds, mostly whole
Brand: Nuherbs Organics
Cautions: Do not use while pregnant or nursing. Avoid if any issues with kidneys.
Summary of Lotus Seed
- Nourish the Heart
- Calm the Spirit
- Tonify the Kidneys
- Tonify the Spleen
- Stabilize the Jing
- Sleep
- Promoting normal weight control
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Supporting nervous system
- Astringent properties. This helps in eradicating toxins and wastes from the system.
The alkaloid compounds actually slow down acute reactions and
neutralize the toxic effects of other foods and lubricates and nourish the body. - Effective in resolving fire imbalance
- Inherently have a low glycemic index
- Aid in maintaining glucose content in the bloodstream
- High in magnesium and folate which support cardiovascular and circulatory aliments
- Contribute to stabilizing blood pressure levels in the body
- Supports sexual health.
Product Properties: Sweet, astringent, neutral
Lotus Seeds and their nutritional benefits
Nutritional components of Lotus Seeds:
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Vitamins B, C, A and E.
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
Lotus seed nutritional benefits
Lotus seeds, also known as "makom" or "bengal gram," are a popular food item in Asia and are believed
to have various health benefits. Some of the benefits of consuming lotus seeds include:
Rich in nutrients: Lotus seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals and vitamins.
Good for digestion: The fiber content in lotus seeds can help promote regular bowel movements and relieve constipation.
May improve heart health: The potassium and magnesium in lotus seeds may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May help control blood sugar levels: Lotus seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
May improve sleep: Some traditional medicine practitioners believe that lotus seeds can promote better sleep due to its amino acid content.
How To Incorporate Lotus Seeds Into Your Diet
Lotus Seeds are low in calorie. Ground, roasted seeds can be used as a coffee substitute.
Like other dicotyledons plant seeds, Lotus Seeds are free from gluten protein. Which can be safely used in
gluten-free food preparations as a healthy alternative in patients with a wheat gluten allergy.
Cooking with lotus seeds can add a unique and nutritious element to various dishes. Here are some common methods for cooking with lotus seeds:
Boiling: One of the simplest ways to cook lotus seeds is by boiling them. Start by soaking the lotus seeds in water for a few hours or overnight to soften them. Then, drain the water and transfer the seeds to a pot. Add fresh water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the lotus seeds become tender. Once cooked, they can be added to soups, stews, or used as an ingredient in other recipes.
Stir-Frying: Lotus seeds can also be stir-fried to enhance their flavor and texture. Begin by boiling the lotus seeds as mentioned above to partially cook them. Drain the water and set aside. Heat some oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add the lotus seeds and stir-fry for a few minutes until they turn slightly golden. You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms, to create a flavorful stir-fry dish. Season with soy sauce, salt, or other desired seasonings.
Baking or Roasting: Roasting or baking lotus seeds can bring out a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Preheat your oven to around 325°F (163°C). Spread the soaked and drained lotus seeds evenly on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once roasted, they can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or used as toppings for salads, desserts, or cereals.
Desserts and Sweet Treats: Lotus seeds are commonly used in Asian desserts and sweet dishes. They can be added to rice puddings, congee, or sweet soups. After boiling or soaking the lotus seeds, you can sweeten them by adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners of your choice. Combine them with ingredients like coconut milk, jujubes, dried longan, or other fruits to create delightful and comforting desserts.
Remember to adjust the cooking time and method based on the recipe you're following or the specific dish you want to prepare. Lotus seeds have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making them versatile for both savory and sweet preparations. Enjoy experimenting with different cooking techniques and incorporating lotus seeds into your favorite dishes.
3 Interesting Facts about White Lotus Seeds
- Traditional Use: White lotus seeds have been used for about 7000 years as a functional food, medicine, and vegetable.
- Approved by the Ministry of Health: Lotus seeds have been approved as food and medicine by the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China.
- Functional Properties: Lotus seeds have been found to have a range of functional properties, including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, 1.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly.
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Nuherbs
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by in-house lab and independent third party lab. In-house lab is
equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, moisture determination meter,
Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Microbacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen).
- Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463813/
https://plantmedicines.org/the-calming-and-healing-effects-of-sacred-lotus/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=12013-1
1 Arooj M, et al. Comprehensive review on lotus seeds. Food Science & Nutrition. 2021.
2 Soumya H, et al. A Review on Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds (Nelumbo nucifera). 2019.
3 Healthline. "Lotus: Benefits, nutrition, and uses."
