Apparently, Lotus Root Contains High Nutrients, Here Are 5 Benefits Of It

Illustration of the benefits of lotus root for health (Freepik/Dashu83)

JAKARTA – Lotus or lotus is an edible water plant. Because it is safe to eat, many recipes are made from lotus flowers, and even the roots also have health benefits. This beautiful plant with white and pink flowers is native to Asia, Australia and parts of the Middle East.

The lotus rhizome is segmented and edible. This plant can grow up to 4 feet long with a rhizome of 10-20 centimeters long and 6-10 centimeters in diameter. In Japan, lotus root is called renkon. While in China it is known as lian ou, in Korea it is popularly known as yeonguen, and in India it is called kamal kakdi.

The shape of the tube is hollow inside, so when cooked, it is cut into thin slices so that it looks beautiful. Quoting Honest Food Talks, Thursday, March 17, lotus root has a slightly sweet taste resembling water chestnut. The texture is crunchy and chewy when processed by steaming or boiling as a soup.

Half a serving of lotus root soup contains absolutely no fat but contains 1 gram of protein, calories (40 grams), sodium (27 mg), carbohydrates (9.6 grams), fiber (1 gram), vitamin C (16.4 mg), B vitamins (0.2 mg). This food ingredient contains a low glycemic index, precisely with a glycemic load of 3. Of all these ingredients, here are the health benefits of lotus root.

1. Supports heart health

To prevent heart disease, lotus root contains folate and vitamin C so it has these benefits. It even contains potassium and enough potassium to help someone with high blood pressure.

Illustration of the benefits of lotus root for health (iStockphoto)

2. Maintains digestive health

Regular bowel movements require fiber. The insoluble fiber in lotus root can help get these benefits plus it can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.

3. Reduces the risk of birth defects

For pregnant women, lotus root provides several important nutrients to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Reported by VeryWellFit, the folate (vitamin B9) content in lotus root is good for pregnant women. Infertile people are advised to exercise caution and need to get enough folate to prevent dangerous birth defects.

4. Treats Hay Fever

Some evidence has found that lotus root powder can help relieve nasal allergy symptoms. This study is promising, although human studies with more variables are needed to confirm the benefits of lotus root. The anti-inflammatory effect of lotus root was tested on rats, with the result that it reduced redness and hair loss in response to allergens.

5. Stimulates blood circulation

Lotus root is often used as a balanced diet menu, reported by Organic Facts. Food from this root is good for stimulating blood circulation. They can also be useful for increasing energy because they contain copper and iron. These two ingredients are especially useful for reducing anemia and increasing vitality.

Those are the facts and health benefits of lotus root. Interested in processing it into your food menu?