Lotus Seeds health benefits includes managing diabetes, treating insomnia, supporting stomach health, slowing down aging process, supporting oral health, and providing instant energy. Other benefits supporting pregnancy, treating ulcers or sore mouths, supporting a healthy appetite, improving urination, maintaining blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health and healing inflammation and infection.
You may have seen white or off-white seeds in the dry fruit stores. They are known as lotus seeds. They are a quick and handy way to enrich your body with plenty of nutrients.
What are Lotus Seeds?
Lotus plant grows in Southeast Asia and scientifically known as Nelumbo Nucifera. You can consume lotus seeds roasted, fried and raw. In China, the seeds aren’t only used in traditional medicine, but they used its petals to spice up their meals and to prepare herbal teas as well. In Japanese culture, the lotus is considered as a vegetable, and they widely consume its roots along with seeds.
Nutritional Value of Lotus Seeds
Here is a chart showing the nutritional value of lotus seeds (raw) per 100 grams:
Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
---|---|
Calories | 89 kcal |
Water | 77.38 g |
Protein | 4.13 g |
Total Fat | 0.53 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.10 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0.13 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.27 g |
Carbohydrates | 17.28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g |
Sugars | 0.00 g |
Vitamin C | 0.5 mg (1% DV) |
Vitamin A | 5 µg (1% DV) |
Vitamin B6 | 0.168 mg (13% DV) |
Folate | 48 µg (12% DV) |
Potassium | 367 mg (8% DV) |
Calcium | 44 mg (4% DV) |
Iron | 1.39 mg (8% DV) |
Magnesium | 56 mg (13% DV) |
Phosphorus | 168 mg (24% DV) |
Sodium | 1 mg |
- Note: Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
This chart highlights lotus seeds’ moderate calorie content, high dietary fiber, and notable amounts of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of folate and Vitamin B6.
13 Amazing Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds
1. For Diabetes
Nutritionists favored lotus seeds due to low calorie and high fiber content. Dietary fiber has potential to lower high sugar levels in your bloodstream. This is why people with diabetes should consume a handful of lotus seeds at least thrice a week. It functions as a snack you will feel less hungry throughout the day. The minerals found in the seeds are said to help alleviate factors that contribute to type II diabetes. However, there isn’t more evidence available to support the claim. You can always consult with your primary care doctor in case of high sugar levels.
2. Lotus Seeds Treats Insomnia
Insomnia and sleep apnoea are becoming common sleep disorders that have potential to affect your psychological adversely. Moreover, stress contributes to irregular sleep patterns or in most cases an underlying health problem triggers your insomnia as well. Nutritionists recommend consuming lotus seeds due to their sedative qualities. They heal the stressed mind and combat restlessness effectively. Thus, lotus seeds have potential to promote sound sleep.
3. For Stomach Health
Regular consumption of processed food can disrupt your stomach health. This is why you should keep foods that can ward off sudden stomach problems, at home. Roasted lotus seeds can work fine in this regard. The vitamins and mineral in the seed can treat diarrhea, vomit, and indigestion. The stomach problems are utterly irritating and draining, but with the help of lotus seeds, you can strengthen your digestive system.
4. Anti-aging Agent
It is indeed unbelievable that handful of lotus seeds can function as an anti-aging cream when it comes to impeding early aging. The seeds are a powerhouse of enzymes that promote collagen and restores inadequate protein levels, required to maintain youthful skin. When consumed regularly, the nutrients found the lotus seed begins rejuvenating dead skin cells that lead to smooth and baby soft skin. They contain various vitamins that help alleviate symptoms of early aging such as premature aging.
Due to the high content of distinctive and potent enzymes, scientists are determined to incorporate the seeds into skincare products to witness its further effects on the skin. However, nutritionists have suggested eating lotus seeds instead of opting for a product.
5. For Oral Health
Gum bleeding is one of the most common oral problems. You can incorporate lotus seeds into your diet to avoid excess bleeding. It mainly occurs due to the weakness of your gums or harsh tooth brushing. However, the healing properties of the seeds cannot only impede constant bleeding but sooth irritation on the gums as well. Also, if you feel pain along with blood during tooth brushing, you should book an appointment with your dentist to identify the actual problem as it could be a symptom of some daunting oral diseases.
6. Provides Instant Energy
You can replace processed and sugary energy beverages with lotus seeds. They function as an instant energy booster and can become a natural source to obtain potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. Lotus seeds are super easy to consume and can become a healthy snack option as well. Experts suggest carrying roasted lotus seeds into a small container to work, university, and while traveling to boost your energy rapidly.
7. For Expectant Mothers
Expectant mothers need to consume an adequate amount of protein regarding the proper growth of the brain and nervous system of the fetus. They are light-weight and loaded with nutrients hence considered a healthy snack. Pregnant women can munch on a handful of the seeds to curb their increased appetite 2-3 times in a day. However, it is advised to consult with your physician in this regard first.
8. For Ulcers or Sore Mouths
Scientists have proven that lotus seeds contain plenty of anti-inflammatory properties that can treat mouth soreness and ulcers effectively. The seeds are also a powerhouse of soothing components that you need during the condition.
9. For Irregular Appetite
Irregular appetite or no appetite is common in children. You can solve the problem by incorporating lotus seeds to their diet. The high content of astringent naturally found in the lotus seeds that has potential to bring back lost appetite. Nutritionists also emphasized on treating appetite problems in children via natural sources. And you can also consume lotus seeds to balance out irregular appetite in senior people.
10. Improves Urination
The enzymes found in the lotus seeds are said to alleviate urinary tract infections and allow proper urination. However, you should not opt for self-medication in case of pain during urination and consult with a physician instead.
11. Maintains Blood Pressure
You can incorporate a handful of lotus seeds into your diet in case of blood pressure. The seeds are a packed with antispasmodic and isoquinoline alkaloids that help widens blood vessels and alleviate blood pressure.
12. For Cardiovascular Health
Nutritionists suggest consuming foods with sodium, magnesium, and manganese to people with cardiovascular problems to avoid further damages. You can reap adequate levels of the nutrients to maintain a healthy heart.
13. Heals Inflammation and Infection
Lotus seeds contain healing and soothing properties. That is why they remained part of traditional Chinese medicine for decades to heal the wound, buries, and cuts to impede the spread of infection in the affected area.
Bottom Line
You can surely treat various health ailments by incorporating natural sources into your diet. And lotus seeds are one of them, therefore, don’t wait and buy some to make a difference.