Lotus is a perennial flowering aquatic herb found in fresh water. The flower is regarded as a symbol of purity and eternity. It has always been in folklore, religion and art in one or other form. It is many petalled flower which rises above several centimeters on thick stems above water. Lotus plant is among few species of plants that regulate the temperature of their flowers with in an optimal range to attract cold blooded insects for pollination. The leaves are water repellant. The stems are thick which bear flowers. The fruits are like pods containing ovoid seeds. Seeds are sweet edible commonly known as makhana in India. The rhizome is the source of lotus meal which is rich in starch. The flower comes from India and Vietnam and become the icon of these two countries. Every part of lotus plant offers many health benefits and has been used as a medicinal plant for 1500 years.

Lotus is a perennial flowering aquatic herb found in fresh water. The flower is regarded as a symbol of purity and eternity. It has always been in folklore, religion and art in one or other form. It is many petalled flower which rises above several centimeters on thick stems above water. Lotus plant is among few species of plants that regulate the temperature of their flowers with in an optimal range to attract cold blooded insects for pollination. The leaves are water repellant. The stems are thick which bear flowers. The fruits are like pods containing ovoid seeds. Seeds are sweet edible commonly known as makhana in India. The rhizome is the source of lotus meal which is rich in starch. The flower comes from India and Vietnam and become the icon of these two countries. Every part of lotus plant offers many health benefits and has been used as a medicinal plant for 1500 years.

Health Benefits of Lotus Flower

•             Lotus flowers contain B complex vitamins which are important for fertility, vitality and mood.

•             They are helpful in preventing diabetes due to the presence of linoleic acid in them.

•             Powerful antioxidants in lotus flower help to prevent cardiovascular diseases stroke and cancer.

•             The oil from lotus flowers help the body produce more melanin to protect it from damaging sun rays and to fight premature grey hair.

•             The decoction of flower is used in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

•             The flower paste when applied to the face, moisturizes the skin and makes it youthful.

•             The flowers have high amount of calcium and iron, thus are much beneficial in anaemia and bone diseases.

•             Lotus flower tea helps with acid reflux, lowers stomach acid and soothes away gastric ulcers.

•             They are very beneficial in bleeding disorders and chronic diarrhoea.

•             Lotus stamens are used to make tea in reducing thirst.

•             Dried lotus patels are used as a garnish.

Health benefits of Lotus Leaves

•             The leaves of the lotus plant are well known to cure stomach ailments.

•             They can strengthen the liver. Tea made from leaves helps heal fatty liver disease.

•             They help prevent carbohydrates and fat from being absorbed and boost metabolism, thus reducing weight.

•             The tea of lotus leaves is beneficial in arthritic pain due to their anti inflammatory action.

•             Lotus leaves act as vasodilator and thus help in lowering high blood pressure.

•             The leaves are very astringent and have been used to stop internal bleeding.

•             Drinking lotus leaf tea regularly can improve mood, reduce mental stress making one cool and calm.

•             They helps in expelling mucus making them great for cold, cough and other respiratory  problems.

Lotus Leaf Tea

Take fresh leaves. Cut 4 x 4 inch piece and steep in a hot water for 5-10 minutes.

For dry leaves

Use 2 teaspoon in a half liter of water and let it steep for 5 minutes.

Lotus seeds

•             The lotus seeds are classified as astringents. These are edible kernels of the lotus plant. These are enclosed inside fruit pod and are arranged in a concentric fashion. Mature seeds are black, possess hard outer shell and are ovoid in shape, measuring about size of a green pea.

Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds

•             Lotus seeds carry 89 calories per 100 gm and dry kernels hold 324 calories per 100 gm. The energy in seeds come from carbohydrates and proteins unlike as in other tree nuts whose high calorific value is mainly because of fat.

•             Fresh as well as dry lotus kernels are excellent source of folates and vit B complex like Vit 6, thiamine, Vit B12, which are essential components of DNA synthesis and cell division.

•             Seeds help in boosting immunity due to the presence of minerals like manganese, iron, zinc, potassium that are responsible for cellular activities.

•             Lotus seeds are helpful in controlling chronic diarrhoea. People who are suffering from constipation should avoid it.

•             Lotus seeds bring sedation. They heal the stressed mind and combat restlessness effectively and promote sound sleep.

•             They are a powerhouse of enzymes that promote collagen required to maintain youthful skin and prevent early aging.

•             They are very beneficial in bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

•             They are said to alleviate urinary tract infections and allow proper urination.

•             Low sodium and high magnesium content in the seeds is helpful in people suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure and obesity.

•             High fiber content and low calorie make it favorite food of nutritionists.

•             The seeds are useful in improving brain function and memory. They are useful in preventing the senile dementia.

Makhana

Makhana also called lotus seeds. These seeds are basically from the plant that falls in Nelumbo genus. The seeds are shelled, dried and then sold in the markets and found as white or in brown peel.

These are one of the healthiest snacking option. They are high in magnesium, potassium which is important for health. These are rich in iron and low in sodium and calories. These are recommended for diabetics due to their low glycemic index.

Health Benefits of Lotus Root

•             It is embedded in the bottom of water. It is a long woody root. It is frequently used as a vegetable and as herbal medicine. The health benefits of lotus root can be attributed to its unique mixture of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients including potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, with Vit C, Vit. B6, proteins & fiber.

•             The insoluble fiber in lotus rhizome helps to form bulky stool.

•             The high potassium content of lotus root helps counteract the adverse effects of excessive sodium i.e. water retention. It helps facilitate blood vessel dilation promoting sodium & water elimination.

•             Calcium content influences the bone strength and bone density.

•             High insoluble fiber content can keep hunger on the run for hours thus helping in weight loss.

•             Lotus root is extremely rich in Vit C. Its consumption helps bolster the immune system and reduce the likelihood of picking up illnesses.

•             It is rich in iron and copper both are necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. Thus it is beneficial in anaemia.

                Lotus is a versatile plant and is packed with abundance of proteins, vitamins, minerals. So treat various health ailments by incorporating this natural source within the diet and keep the body and mind sound.

 

Every part of lotus plant offers many health benefits and has been used as a medicinal plant for 1500 years.

 

Drinking fresh lotus leaf tea regularly can improve mood, reduce mental stress making one cool and calm.

 

Lotus seeds bring sedation. They heal the stressed mind and combat restlessness effectively and promote sound sleep.

 

Lotus root is extremely rich in Vit C. Its consumption helps bolster the immune system and reduce the likelihood of picking up illnesses.