Lotus root is rich in dietary fiber yet low in calories, aiding weight management and helping lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Anti-aging and cancer prevention, vitamin C supplement
Though not high in sugar, lotus root contains significant vitamin C, beneficial for liver disease, constipation, and diabetes. It is also rich in polyphenols that boost immunity and help prevent cancer.
3. Pain Relief, Stress Reduction, and Heart Protection
Lotus root is rich in B vitamins. Supplementing with B vitamins helps reduce irritability, alleviate headaches, and ease stress, thereby improving mood and lowering the risk of heart disease.
4. Boosts Blood and Mental Energy, Aids Digestion
Among root vegetables, lotus root has relatively high iron content, making it ideal for those with iron-deficiency anemia. Its trace minerals support red blood cell production and maintain normal muscle and nerve function.
5. Stabilizes Heart Rate and Lowers Blood Pressure
Lotus root has a sodium-to-potassium ratio of 1:5. Its low sodium and high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, benefiting heart and overall health.
6. Supplies Vitamin K to Prevent Bleeding
Lotus root is rich in vitamin K, which has hemostatic properties.Drinking fresh lotus root juice helps prevent bleeding.
7. Relieves phlegm, suppresses coughs, and prevents asthma
Fresh lotus root juice can also treat respiratory conditions like coughs, asthma, and pneumonia. Hot lotus root tea effectively suppresses coughs and expels phlegm.
Four Conditions Women Can Prevent by Eating Lotus Root
Heavy Menstrual Flow
Clinically, heavy menstrual flow is most commonly caused by qi deficiency and blood heat.Qi deficiency fails to regulate blood circulation, leading to heavy menstrual flow with pale, thin blood accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, and lower abdominal heaviness. In such cases, stewed lotus root with pork ribs is recommended to both tonify qi and stop bleeding.
For blood-heat type excessive menstruation, the blood appears darker and thicker, accompanied by symptoms of yin deficiency and internal heat like palms and soles feeling hot, and easy gum bleeding. Those with this pattern should consume raw lotus root—peeled and eaten directly or juiced—to cool the blood and stop bleeding.
Postpartum Blood Stasis
Eating raw lotus root around two weeks postpartum helps clear accumulated blood stasis in the abdomen. The vitamin K in lotus root aids in constricting blood vessels and stopping bleeding. Regular consumption also boosts appetite and promotes milk secretion in new mothers. If digestive function is weak or stools are loose, opt for cooked lotus root instead.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
For yellowish discharge with a fishy odor, boil half a bowl of lotus root juice with 1-2 red cock's comb flowers. Add brown sugar and consume twice daily.
Restlessness and Insomnia
Women juggling childcare, household chores, and demanding work often experience restlessness and insomnia from overwork and mental strain. Try stir-fried lotus root with lily bulbs to calm the mind and alleviate sleeplessness. Alternatively, dissolve some lotus root starch in water before bed for a soothing drink that promotes restful sleep.
How to Enjoy Autumn Lotus Root?
To savor lotus root, start by selecting it wisely. First, inspect the root for any external damage. Next, smell it to check for the distinctive fresh fragrance of lotus root. If it smells sour, avoid it.
Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup Recipe
Main Ingredients: 500g pork ribs (preferably baby back ribs), 2-3 sections of long lotus root.
Supporting Ingredients: 3–5 sections of scallion whites, several slices of ginger, 2 small chili peppers, salt, MSG, chicken bouillon, fennel seeds, Sichuan peppercorns to taste.
Method:
1. Cut the lotus root into wedge-shaped chunks.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then transfer half to another pot. Place the lotus root chunks in one pot and simmer over medium heat.
3. In the other pot, add the fresh pork ribs. Boil over high heat for 3 minutes, then drain off the oil and water. Transfer the ribs (now whitened) to the pot with the lotus root. Add the ginger slices and scallion whites, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. After about 10 minutes, uncover the pot. Gently stir with a spoon, then add the chili peppers cut into two pieces, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds to taste, and a small amount of salt. Cover again and simmer over medium heat.
5. After 20 minutes, add chicken bouillon and salt to taste to the bubbling broth. Stir briefly, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of MSG, uncover, and gently simmer uncovered for about 2 minutes.
Benefits of Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup
This soup clears heat and cools the blood. Lotus root, inherently cooling in nature, helps reduce internal heat in those with a warm constitution. It promotes fluid production, alleviating symptoms like excessive thirst, coughing up blood, and other heat-related discomforts.
When eating lotus root, one notices its distinctive fresh fragrance. This aroma comes from tannins within the lotus root, which have a pronounced therapeutic effect in strengthening the stomach and stopping diarrhea.
Boosting immunity is another benefit of lotus root and pork rib soup.As pork ribs represent the essence of pork, they possess exceptionally high nutritional value. When simmered together with lotus root, the nutrients from both ingredients fully dissolve into the broth, creating a dish that nourishes yin and yang, enriches essence, and replenishes blood. The fragrant and delicious lotus root and pork rib soup becomes even more effective for boosting immunity when a splash of vinegar is added while drinking.