Lotus seeds have more health benefits than just about any other food on the planet. These little seeds, which come from the lotus plant and are commonly used in Asian cuisine, contain a number of health benefits that you may not know about! In this article, we’ll go over 5 of the main reasons why you should consider using these seeds as part of your regular diet or as part of an herbal remedy to treat certain conditions. Read on to find out more!
1) Osteoporosis Prevention
As we age, our bones become weaker. In fact, as you age your bone density decreases by about 1% per year. This process is called osteoporosis and it is especially common in women after menopause due to a decline in estrogen production. Luckily, there are a number of effective ways to reduce your risk for developing osteoporosis and one that many people are using today is eating more lotus seeds. These little brown nuts are packed with nutrients that promote healthy bones, like calcium and Vitamin K1. The benefits don’t stop there though! Read on to find out how you can start enjoying these amazing seeds today...
2) Improved Digestion
The high content of dietary fiber found in lotus seeds promotes proper digestion. Dietary fiber can help regulate cholesterol levels, especially when it comes to LDL cholesterol. A lack of dietary fiber can lead to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other issues as well. The fiber that is found in lotus seeds may provide a convenient solution for digestive problems. If you are looking for an alternative treatment to control your heart disease and improve your overall health, taking advantage of some benefits offered by lotus seeds may be worth a try. It is recommended that you consume about 25 grams of dietary fiber each day from food sources to reap its many benefits. A single serving (100 grams) provides more than 18 grams of dietary fiber—more than half your daily requirement!
3) Reduced Risk of Cancer
Japanese researchers have discovered that lotus seeds contain a number of phytochemicals, including triterpenoids and saponins, which may help reduce your risk of cancer. Studies have found that these compounds are effective at killing off free radicals that can cause tissue damage and DNA mutations; protecting against inflammation and oxidative stress; and increasing your body’s production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme used by your body to fight off free radicals. Plus, as a member of The Allium family—which includes onions, garlic, chives, shallots and leeks—lotus seeds contain some flavonoids with anti-cancer properties.
4) Supports Heart Health
The high content of folate in lotus seeds helps promote heart health. Additionally, they contain monounsaturated fats, which can lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. By reducing your risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries), lotus seeds can help reduce heart disease as well as stroke and coronary artery disease. However, it’s important to consume these healthy seeds in moderation because they are also high in sodium. A handful will provide about 200 mg sodium—which is about a tenth of what you should eat per day if you have hypertension or cardiovascular disease. It’s easy to see how eating a whole cupful could pose health risks.
5) Promotes Urinary Tract Functions
Lotus seeds are rich in fiber, which aids in removing toxins from your digestive tract. As an added bonus, consuming a lotus seed diet can help to treat urinary tract infections and promote regular bowel movements. Try eating it raw as a snack or adding it to a stir-fry, soup or salad; you can also consume lotus seeds by juicing them in a blender with other vegetables and fruits. In general, consuming foods that are high in fiber is beneficial to your health because it helps you digest nutrients more efficiently and keeps your digestive system healthy and strong.