Lotus roots: properties, recipes, benefits and harms

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-02 16:12

Lotus roots have a wide range of he alth benefits due to their rich nutritional composition. Some of their benefits include the ability to improve digestion, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, boost the immune system, prevent various forms of cancer, balance mood, and relieve depression. In addition, this plant improves blood circulation and maintains proper enzymatic activity in the body.

What is this?

Lotus roots, as the name suggests, are part of the lotus flower. It is an aquatic plant of the Nelumbonaceae family. The lotus flower has been an element of the culture of many Asian countries for thousands of years. His image represents purity, sexual innocence and divine beauty. It is an important element in many cultural traditions and religions.

It is also a stunningly beautiful plant that takes root in the bottom of a lake, stream, river, and so on, while the stem and incipient flower float on the surface of the water. They are perennial aquatic plants and their seeds can take a very long time to germinate. A seed is known, which was more than 1300 years old, from which a plant was obtained inlaboratories.

Lotus roots (or rhizomes) are long, hard pieces that attach to the underside of the trunk and can stretch up to 120 centimeters. They can be eaten.

Lotus is often used in Japanese cuisine in soups. In addition, it can be deep-fried or pan-fried, stewed or used in other interesting ways of cooking. It is also used in natural or powder form in traditional herbal medicine.

Pickled lotus root is also common as a snack. In this form, it is added to shrimp dishes or used as an ingredient in complex salads. Lotus root has a pungent and slightly sweet taste, especially after marinating. It has the texture of a potato and tastes a bit like coconuts unless you add some extra flavor to it.

Nutritional value of lotus root

The many he alth benefits of lotus root can be attributed to its unique combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron and manganese, as well as thiamine, pantothenic acid, zinc, vitamin B _{6, vitamin C. It is also a very important source of dietary fiber and protein.}

He alth benefits

Lotus root, the beneficial properties of which are not questioned, has the ability to stimulate blood circulation, and thereby increase the oxygenation of internal organs. The content of iron and copper in this plant is very significant, and since thesesubstances are an integral part of the production of red blood cells, the risk of developing anemic symptoms is significantly reduced.

As you know, one of the elements of the vitamin B complex is pyridoxine. It interacts directly with nerve receptors in the brain that influence mood and mental states. Its deficiency can cause irritability, headaches and stress. It is not by chance that lotus flowers in legends are associated with peace and tranquility - the root of this plant contributes to such positive changes at the biological level.

The fleshy lotus root is made up of dietary fiber known to store stool and speed up bowel movements. This plant can reduce the symptoms of constipation, optimize nutrient absorption through the secretion of digestive and gastric juices, and stimulate perist altic movement in the smooth intestinal muscles.

Vitamin content

When it comes to the vitamin content of lotus root, the presence of vitamin C is by far the most prominent. 100 grams of the plant contains 73% of your daily requirement for this powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C is an essential component of collagen, which maintains the integrity and strength of our blood vessels, organs, and skin, and is a major immune system booster.

In addition, ascorbic acid can neutralize free radicals in the body, which are dangerous by-productscellular metabolism associated with diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin A is another beneficial ingredient found in lotus roots that has been shown to improve skin, hair and eye he alth. It has major antioxidant properties and can prevent macular degeneration and other eye diseases, heal wounds faster, improve skin condition, and reduce inflammation.

Effect on the heart

Potassium contained in the lotus root ensures the correct balance between fluids in the body and counteracts the negative effects of sodium on blood flow. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes blood vessels and reduces constriction and stiffness, improves blood circulation and reduces stress on the cardiovascular system. This trace element is also an important component of neuronal activity and a conductor of fluid and blood to the brain.

Along with the vasodilating potential of potassium and dietary fiber, the pyridoxine content in lotus root also controls blood levels of homocysteine, which is directly linked to heart attacks.

Also, lotus roots are a good option for people trying to control their weight. They are among the low-calorie foods that are high in nutrients and fiber. In this way, you can get all the micronutrients you need, reducing the likelihood of overeating, and thus reduce weight.

Lotus roots: benefits and harms

WeConsidered the main useful substances that are contained in this product. As you can see, lotus roots are an all-encompassing panacea for your he alth. But there are inherent risks associated with consuming this miracle plant.

If used raw, lotus root can lead to parasites or various bacterial infections. Therefore, always boil the plant before eating or subject it to any other treatment.

How to cook lotus root?

First, you need to know what edible lotus roots look like. Most often they are found on sale in vacuum packaging. Good fresh root - light orange. The older the plant, the darker and harder it is.

Mature lotus root has a slightly bitter taste and should not be eaten raw. This unpleasant substance is most concentrated in the skin, so you must cleanse it. Inside, the root has a light flesh color.

The peeled product will start to darken almost immediately (like a raw potato). To prevent this, place the lotus root in water with a little vinegar added.

If you are using the pieces for a salad or for any dish that does not require boiling, the root should be boiled for a few minutes in vinegar water. This retains the crunchy texture but removes the tannins from the product.

Lotus root recipes

Depending on how long it is cooked, the texture of the lotus root varies from crunchy to verystarchy and slightly sticky. Both options are suitable for food, but it is best to focus on the first. Lotus roots in cooking can be used for both cold appetizers and hot dishes.

Lotus root salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lotus root, very thinly sliced;
• 1/2 long cucumber, thinly sliced;
• 1-2 slices of cured ham, thinly sliced;
• 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar + some for preparation;
• sea s alt;
• 1 teaspoon sugar;
• 1 table spoon of Korean mayonnaise.

Put the chopped lotus root into the water with vinegar, put on the stove and bring to a boil. Heat it up for a few minutes. Drain and cool under running water.

Mix vegetables and seasonings, except mayonnaise. Knead the ingredients with your hands so that the flavors penetrate. Add mayonnaise and ham and mix well.

Fried lotus root with sesame seeds and green onions

For this dish you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 lotus root, very thinly sliced;
• 1 piece fresh ginger (about 2.5-3cm), peeled and chopped;
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped;
• 1, 5 cups coarsely chopped green onions;
• 2 tablespoons hot red chili, finely chopped;
• vegetable oil;
• lotus vinegar;
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds;
• pepperblack;
• 1-1, 5 tablespoons soy sauce;
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

Process the lotus root in vinegar water as described in the previous recipe.

Heat a large oiled pan. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté them until the oil is very fragrant. Lay the treated lotus root in one layer. Cook until it becomes slightly translucent. Flip and fry the lotus for a couple more minutes.

Add chili and green onion, then stir. Add sesame seeds, pepper, soy sauce and sesame oil. Lotus roots should be lightly caramelized with soy sauce. Serve this dish hot or cold.

Because this is classic Japanese cuisine, white rice can be added as a side dish.