Lotus seeds
Lotus is one of the most holiest and revered plants in India. It is considered so sacred that many of the ancient Indian gods and prophets are portrayed seated on a lotus. The entire plant has a lot of religious and spiritual significance in India. Like most herbs considered sacred Lotus is also a sacred herb which has a lot of medicinal benefits. Many parts of the plants are used in ancient ayurvedic medicines. Lotus seeds are the most beneficial part of the plant for human consumption. They can be consumed raw or roasted. At times peeled Lotus seeds are also ground and made into syrup. Honey, tea, cakes and jams are enhanced by adding lotus seed extracts as one of the ingredient in many parts of the world. In India, Lotus seeds are available
THE NUTRIENT RICH SNACK
Lotus seeds are rich in nutritional value. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins A,B,C and E and also minerals like magnesium, sodium and potassium. It also has a lot of phytonutrients and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Lotus seeds are low in fat. This combination of rich nutrients and low calories make lotus seeds a desired snack to please your taste buds without compromising your health.
AN OCEAN OF MEDICINAL BENEFITS
The medicinal benefits of Lotus seeds are envied by other herbs. It is rich in anti-oxidants. Lotus seeds are used in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Siddha to treat internal and external inflammatory diseases.
It is thus recommended for many skin conditions caused due to inflammations. It is also prescribed as a diuretic by some physicians.
Lotus seeds have the potential to keep insomnia at bay. It is also effective against diarrhea and indigestion. Some enthusiasts also claim these seeds to possess cancer preventive properties.
A CARDIO-PROTECTIVE FOOD
Lotus seeds are traditionally recommended to improve heart health. This might be because it is a rich source of Magnesium and folate. Lotus seeds improve blood flow in the arteries and helps eliminates blockages in the channels. This helps reduce the risk of getting heart attacks. It is suggested to munch some Lotus seed snacks to prevent coronary heart diseases.
Some recent studies have shown these seeds to have anti-ageing properties. This is why these seeds have become a regular feature in many cosmetics and skin creams. these seeds are said to have the enzymes which slows down cell degeneration and thus the ageing process.
A SAFE SNACK FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS
Snacks made from Lotus seeds are more popular as Makhana in India. They can be a dream for diabetic patients.
They have very low glycemic index which means it is very safe to consume for people with diabetics.
The snacking options of diabetic patients are very minimal and roasted lotus seeds might be amongst the safest snacks to munch alongside your evening tea.
They don’t directly help reduce blood sugar levels but it might not hike your blood sugars like other snack items do.
If you are diabetic, it sure is safe to consult your doctor before you add this to your regular menu. Almost always your doctor will respond in positive.
DIGESTION AND SLEEP PROMOTER
Lotus seeds are rich in fiber content. They might also be recommended as a kidney detoxifier by some practitioners.
But what it surely does is acts as an appetizer and improves your carving for food. It also improves digestion and helps eliminating the undigested food residue, ama.
If sleeplessness is your problem, lotus seeds are your go to solution. They help improve sleep and are even recommended to overcome chronic insomnia.
It said that consuming these medicinally rich seeds causes dilation in the blood vessels thus improving blood supply to the brain.
This helps reduce depression and anxiety which in turn helps eliminate sleeplessness.
Benefits of Lotus seeds
- These five are just the tip of the ice berg.
- The best part is, it is low in negative nutrients and only does good things to the body.
- Since they can be consumed as an evening snack,
- it is a no brainer to add them to your daily menu
