HEALTH BENEFITS OF LOTUS SEEDS (FOX NUT)


Lotus seeds are delicious edible seeds obtained from the lotus plant. It has lots of medicinal and nutritional values. It is popularly known as kamal gatta in Hindi, padma beeja in Sanskrit, thamarai vithai in Tamil and tavara vithulu in Telugu.

Lotus plant is a herbaceous, perennial, aquatic plant which belongs to the family of Nelumbonaceae. Botanical name of this plant is Nelumbo Nuclfera. This plant is native to India and is found all over the world. Roots and stem grows under the water, the leaves and flowers float on the water. This plant blooms in summer season, the flowers are white and pink in color and sweet scented.

The seeds are black in color and are contained in a hard outer shell, are present inside the central part of the flower. These seeds have sweet taste and have chewy texture like that of almonds. The dried seeds tastes like chickpeas when baked.

Aminoacids in lotus seeds
Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Leucine and Lysine

Nutrients in lotus seeds
Lotus seeds are storehouse of nutrients. They are low in saturated fats and rich in nutrients such as potassium, folates, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, manganese, magnesium, zinc, Calcium, selenium, copper, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Properties of lotus seeds
Some research studies reveals that alkaloids present in these seeds, liensiline, neterine and isoliensiline posses sedative, antispasmodic, antihypertensive and are beneficial for heart.
  • The seeds are praised as vrishe, which means aphrodislac that boosts libido.
  • It contains anti-aging enzymes. 
  • The natural flavonoid, kaemferol prevents inflammation. 
  • It acts as a body coolant.
  • It improves male fertility and erectile dysfunction due to diabetes. 
  • It strengthens the uterus, prevents habitual abortion, promote weight loss, as they fills the stomach.
  • It suppresses the appetite, controls diarrhea, combat kidney diseases.
  • It is good in reducing high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  • It helps achieving low glycemic index which makes it good for diabetes.
  • The baked and roasted seeds can make healthy snacks. 

Lotus seeds inside the central part of the flower

Lotus seeds

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