The floating lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant native to Asia. The stems, leaves, and seeds of the plant have been valued in culture, cooking, and medicine since ancient times.
Though most often found in Southeast Asia, the lotus plant can be purchased worldwide in pieces or whole. Its leaves, roots, petals, and seeds can be prepared and consumed in many ways to support your health.
This article describes the floating lotus plant's medicinal and nutritional benefits and uses. It also explains the side effects of the floating lotus plant.
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Cultural Significance of the Lotus Plant
The floating lotus has been used as a medicine, vegetable, and functional food for 7,000 years. It is considered a sacred plant in Asian cultures. It is linked to rebirth and spiritual enlightenment since it submerges nightly into the murky river water, where it grows, then reemerges the following day, fresh and clean.
The lotus plant has different attributions across cultures. For Buddhists, the flower represents a reminder that all beings have the potential to attain enlightenment.
To the ancient Egyptians, the lotus plant represented the universe, and it could resurrect the dead. In Hindu culture, gods and goddesses sit on lotus thrones.
Lotus Plant Medicinal Compounds
Various parts of the lotus plant have been used to manage a wide range of disorders in folk medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian natural system of medicine.
The actions of the lotus plant originate in the following medicinal compounds that naturally it contains:
- Flavonoids like quercetin are nutrients commonly found in plant foods. They possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. These compounds also have neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.
- Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds in plants that have one or more nitrogen atoms. When isolated from plants, alkaloids have properties that are antibacterial, antiproliferation, antiviral, insecticidal, and antimetastatic for some types of cancer.
- Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They help protect your body by neutralizing free radicals (molecules that occur as a byproduct of metabolism) that can damage cells.
- Terpenoids have biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant effects. They may also reduce inflammation.
- Phytosterols, or plant sterols, have a similar structure to human cholesterol. These compounds can potentially lower the low-density lipoprotein(LDL), or "bad," cholesterol in humans when consumed in high amounts or extracted from the plant and taken as a daily supplement.
Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs
Benefits of Eating or Drinking Lotus Plant
The benefits of eating or drinking from the lotus plant have been claimed since ancient times. These plants are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. They are also a rich source of dietary fiber and the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Thiamine
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Copper
- Manganese
Research indicates that eating or drinking the lotus plant may impact many body systems. Components of this low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich plant may have the following characteristics:
- Antioxidant: Control of free radicals which are linked to cell damage and disease
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduction of tissue inflammation that occurs with injury and some diseases like asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and rheumatoid arthritis
- Antisteroidogenic: Suppression of hormones including estrogen, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Antipyretic: Reduction of elevated body temperature
- Antiobesity: Reduction of body weight
- Antiviral: Therapeutic activity against certain viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)
- Antidiabetic: Regulation of insulin secretion, glucose uptake, and glucose output
- Effects of aging: Reduction of symptoms of loss of elasticity, wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and other skin problems
- Hepatoprotective: Protection of liver cells against toxic materials
- Anticancer: Potential antitumor action with the potential use in cancer prevention and treatment
Research from 2020 indicates that the neuroprotective properties of the lotus plant may also inhibit the key enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Other Plants That Help With Inflammation
Inflammation occurs as a natural immune system response to injury, allergens, infection, and chronic diseases. Signs of inflammation include pain, redness, heat, swelling, and loss of function, though the problem can also exist without symptoms.
Treatment of inflammation varies based on the disease or ailment causing symptoms. The following substances derived from plants have anti-inflammatory properties useful in reducing inflammation:
- Black currant oil
- Borage oil
- Boswellia
- Bromelain
- Cat's claw
- Cayenne pepper
- Cinnamon
- Curcumin
- Evening primrose oil
- Flaxseed
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Thunder god vine
- Turmeric
How to Prepare Lotus Plant
There are many ways to prepare different parts of a lotus plant. The edible parts of the lotus plant include its flowers, leaves, root, seed, and stem.
Lotus Roots and Stems
The lotus root is a cylindrical and brown tube. It is crunchy and mild-tasting. After peeling, the lotus root is sliced crosswise to reveal a lace-like design with pea-sized holes.
Lotus stems are typically peeled before use and served cooked. They have a taste comparable to beets.
Lotus roots and stems are prepared in the following ways:
- Boiled for five to 10 minutes to soften
- Cooked as a vegetable in chicken, vegetable, or pork broth (lotus root soup)
- Stir-fried
- Steamed
- Braised
- Tempura-fried
Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds have a crisp, succulent consistency. They grow in pods with cavities that each holds about 20 seeds. They are typically prepared in the following ways:
- Raw as a snack with a neutral, subtly bitter and sweet flavor similar to green almonds
- Roasted into a chewy, hard, and crunchy texture with a taste similar to chickpeas, eaten plain or used as a coffee substitute
- Popped like popcorn
- Ground and boiled into a syrup or paste for use as an ingredient in traditional breads, pastries, and desserts
Lotus Leaves
Lotus leaves are typically used to impart an earthy tealike aroma and flavor to foods as a wrap, especially when steamed. Common uses involve using them to wrap rice or chicken during cooking.
A popular recipe called lo mai gai involves steaming lotus leaves filled with sticky rice, Chinese sausages, and vegetables. The leaves can also be enjoyed in tea.
Lotus Petals
Lotus petals are the main ingredient in lotus tea. They can also add a sweet and fragrant flavor to salads, soups, and desserts.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Consuming lotus plants in quantities used in cooking and snacking is likely safe for most adults. When eaten in excess, lotus may cause bloating, indigestion, or constipation.
While allergies to the lotus plant are not common, children may be allergic to lotus seeds due to their sensitive and immature digestive systems.
The following symptoms are signs of an allergic reaction and require prompt medical attention:
- Swelling of the tongue
- Vomitingand/or stomach cramps
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Repetitive cough
- Shock or circulatory collapse
- Trouble swallowing or tight throat
- Pale or blue skin color
- Weak pulse
- Dizzinessor feeling faint
- Anaphylaxis(a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that can send your body into shock and impair breathing)
While lotus contains several medicinal compounds that have the potential to impact health benefits, these chemicals may have adverse interactions with certain types of drugs. Take the following precautions when consuming lotus plant in food or beverages:
Avoid taking lotus with anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anti-inflammatory drugs since lotus may increase your risk of bleeding.
Lotus plant has the potential to lower blood sugar levels, it may interact with certain diabetic medications. Monitor your blood sugar levels when consuming lotus if you are taking antidiabetic medication.
Avoid consuming lotus plant if you are taking anti-arrhythmic drugs. Lotus may have anti-arrhythmic activity that impacts your heart rate and the effectiveness of these medications.
Avoid consuming lotus if you take high blood pressure medication. Lotus plant may decrease your blood pressure and interact with antihypertensive drugs to reduce your blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Lotus plants have properties that can aid digestion and reduce diarrhea. However, people with constipation should not consume lotus plant since these properties could worsen this problem.
Do not consume lotus plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding to protect unborn and young children from adverse effects.
Where to Find Quality Lotus Plant
The lotus plant is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of Asia, especially India and China. The plants are commercially produced for their usable parts in Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, and South America.
Lotus plants are sold through fresh markets in the regions where they are grown. About 70% of lotus produced for human consumption originate in China.
You can purchase lotus plants through distributors, online retailers, and Asian grocers worldwide. Many general grocery chains also carry lotus plant and/or plant parts such as seeds or roots.
When selecting lotus plant or its components, look for the following characteristics:
- Root: Fresh lotus root should be smooth with unblemished skin.
- Seeds: Lotus seeds grow in pods that hold about 20 seeds. Fresh seeds are taut, plump, and chewy. They transition into shades of brown-black as they mature.
- Skin: The skin of the tuber should be smooth and with no tears or cracks.
When pieces of the lotus plants are sliced, rinse them in vinegar or lemon water until cooking to avoid browning. Refrigerate until you are ready to use them.
Summary
The floating lotus plant has been valued for its health effects for thousands of years. Research shows that the use of lotus plants in Asian medicine aligns with the effects of certain compounds in this plant.
Though native to southeast Asia, lotus plant is sold worldwide in local food stores or online, however, this does not discount the problems the plant may cause if you have health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Consult your healthcare provider before consuming lotus plants in any form if you have any chronic health issues or take drugs that this plant is known to impact.
