Lotus root is cool when eaten raw, and when the color changes to dark brown after cooking, the property changes to warm, so it is best to cook the lotus root before eating.
Lotus root should be picked white skin, lotus root knots fat and thick short, the best smell has a fresh fragrance.
The first section at the top of the lotus root is called the lotus head, which has the best flavor and is suitable for eating raw, with high vitamin content and low fiber content. Raw lotus root has a cleansing effect, especially for those who are hot and dry or have acne. The second and third sections of lotus root are older and are best used for stewing, while the rest of the sections are too coarse and only suitable for soup. Cooked lotus root is rich in iron, weak and anemic people can eat more.
Many people scrape the skin off the lotus root, which is actually a waste. Lotus root skin is rich in fiber, if there is no mold, rotten or black, it is not necessary to throw away. Lotus root will turn black after heating, because it is rich in reducing substances such as vitamin C and iron, oxidation occurs when heat, the color becomes darker. Long stewed lotus root, the best choice of ceramic or stainless steel utensils, avoid using iron pots, aluminum pots, and try not to cut lotus root with an iron knife to reduce oxidation.
Lotus root is rich in vitamin C and crude fiber, which can help digestion, prevent constipation, but also supply the body's need for carbohydrates and trace elements, to prevent hardening of the arteries, improve blood circulation, and good health. It is generally recommended to eat 3 times a week lotus root, dinner to eat the best results, lotus root and pork ribs soup, consumption can improve the quality of sleep.
Lotus root can strengthen the spleen and stomach, mothers eat more lotus root, can remove the accumulation of blood in the abdomen, promote milk secretion. Lotus root soup has a cough suppressant effect, directly drinking the juice extracted from the lotus root with the skin, can treat severe cough. However, lotus root is contraindicated in patients with low digestive function of the spleen and stomach, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It should not be eaten raw by people with loose stools.