Lotus roots have a wide range of health benefits due to their rich nutritional composition. Some of their beneficial properties 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 it is?
The lotus roots, as the name implies, are part of the lotus flower. This is an aquatic plant of the Nelumbonaceae family. For thousands of years, the lotus flower has been an element of culture in many Asian countries. His image represents purity, sexual innocence and divine beauty. This is an important element in many cultural traditions and religions.
In addition, it is a stunningly beautiful plant that takes root in the bottom of a lake, stream, river and so on, while the stem and nascent flower float on the surface of the water. They are perennial aquatic plants, and their seeds can germinate after a very long time. It is known the seed, which was more than 1300 years old, from which the plant was obtained in the laboratory.
Lotus roots (or rhizomes) are long, solid fragments that attach to the bottom of the trunk and can stretch to 120 centimeters. They can be eaten.
Lotus often uses Japanese cuisine in soups. In addition, it can be deep-fried or in a frying pan, stew or use other interesting cooking methods. It is also used in natural or powder form in traditional herbal medicine.
Pickled lotus root is also common as a snack. As such, it is added to shrimp dishes or used as an ingredient in complex salads. The lotus root has a sharp and slightly sweet taste, especially after pickling. It has a potato texture and slightly resembles coconuts in taste , unless you add any additional flavoring to it.
Nutrition Facts of Lotus Root
The many health benefits of the lotus root can be explained by 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. This is also very important. source of dietary fiber and protein.
Benefit for health
The lotus root, whose beneficial properties are not in doubt, 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 these substances 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 complex of vitamins B is pyridoxine. It directly interacts with nerve receptors in the brain, which affect 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 meaty root of the lotus consists of dietary fiber, which is known to accumulate stool and accelerate bowel movements. This plant can reduce the symptoms of constipation, optimize the absorption of nutrients through the secretion of digestive and gastric juices, and stimulate peristaltic movement in the smooth intestinal muscles.
Vitamin content
If we talk about the content of vitamins in the root of the lotus, the presence of vitamin C is certainly the most noticeable. 100 grams of plants contain 73% of your daily need for this powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C is an important component of collagen, which supports the integrity and strength of our blood vessels, organs and skin, and is also the main stimulant of the immune system.
In addition, ascorbic acid can neutralize free radicals in the body, which are dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism associated with diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin A is another beneficial ingredient found in lotus roots, which has been proven to improve the health of the skin, hair and eyes. It has basic antioxidant properties and can prevent macular degeneration and other eye diseases, heal wounds faster, improve skin condition and relieve inflammation.
Effect on the heart
Potassium contained in the lotus root provides the right balance between the fluids in the body and counteracts the negative effect of sodium on the bloodstream. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes blood vessels and reduces constriction and stiffness, improves blood circulation and reduces the burden on the cardiovascular system. This trace element is also an important component of neural 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 the lotus root also controls the level of homocysteine โโin the blood, which is directly associated with heart attacks.
In addition, lotus roots are a good option for people trying to control their weight. They are among the low-calorie foods with a high content of nutrients and fiber. Thus, you can get all the trace elements you need, reducing the likelihood of overeating, and thus reduce weight.
Lotus Roots: Benefit and Harm
We examined the main beneficial substances contained in this product. As you can see, lotus roots are an all-encompassing panacea for your health. But there are inherent risks associated with the use of this miracle plant.
If raw lotus root is used, it can lead to infection by parasites or various bacterial infections. Therefore, always boil the plant before eating or subject it to any other processing.
How to cook lotus root?
First, you need to know how edible lotus roots look. Most often they are found on sale in vacuum packaging. A good fresh root is light orange. The older the plant, the darker and harder it is.
Ripe lotus root has a slightly bitter taste, so it should not be eaten raw. This unpleasant substance is most concentrated in the skin, so you must clean it. Inside, the root has a light flesh color.
The peeled product will begin to darken almost immediately (like raw potatoes). To prevent this, put the lotus root in water with a little vinegar.
If you use its slices for salad or for any dish that does not require cooking, the root needs to be boiled for several minutes in vinegar water. This retains a crispy texture, but saves the product from tannin.
Lotus root: recipes
Depending on how long it cooks, the texture of the lotus root changes from crispy to very starchy and slightly sticky. Both options are suitable for food, but it is best to dwell on the first. Culinary lotus roots can be used for both cold snacks and hot dishes.
Lotus root salad
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lotus root, sliced โโvery thinly;
- 1/2 long cucumber, finely chopped;
- 1-2 slices of dried ham, cut into thin slices;
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar + a little to prepare;
- sea โโsalt;
- 1 teaspoon of sugar;
- 1 tablespoon Korean mayonnaise.
Place the chopped lotus root in water with vinegar, place on a stove and bring to a boil. Heat it for several minutes. Drain and cool under running water.
Mix vegetables and seasonings, with the exception of mayonnaise. Mash the ingredients with your hands so that the aromas 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, sliced โโvery thinly;
- 1 slice of fresh ginger (about 2.5-3 cm), peeled and chopped;
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped;
- 1.5 cups chopped green onions;
- 2 tablespoons hot red chili pepper, finely chopped;
- vegetable oil;
- vinegar for lotus processing;
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds;
- black pepper;
- 1-1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce;
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
Treat the lotus root in vinegar water as described in the previous recipe.
Heat a large oil pan. Add ginger and garlic and sautรฉ them until the butter is very aromatic. Put the treated lotus root in one layer. Cook until it is slightly translucent. Turn over and fry the lotus for a couple more minutes.
Add chili peppers and chives, then mix. Put sesame seeds, peppers, soy sauce and sesame oil. The roots of the lotus should be slightly caramelized by soy sauce. Serve this dish hot or cold.
Since this is classic Japanese cuisine, you can add white rice as a side dish.