Nutritional value of lotus root

Lotus root is a low-fat food with high nutritional value, which can be eaten raw, steamed, fried and stewed in soup.

Lotus root should be white-skinned, thick and short, and it is best to smell fragrant.

The first section at the top of lotus root is called lotus head, which tastes the best, is suitable for raw food, and has high vitamin content and low fiber content. Raw lotus root has the effect of moistening, especially suitable for people with hot body or acne. The second and third sections of lotus root are old, so it is best to stew. The other sections are too thick and only suitable for soup. Cooked lotus root is rich in iron, so people who are weak and anaemic can eat more.

Many people will scrape off the skin of lotus root, which is actually a waste. Lotus root skin is rich in cellulose, so if it is not moldy, rotten or black, it is unnecessary to throw it away. Lotus root will turn black after heating because it is rich in reducing substances such as vitamin C and iron, and it will be oxidized when it is heated, and its color will become darker. Stew lotus root for a long time, it is best to use ceramic or stainless steel utensils, avoid using iron pot and aluminum pot, and try not to cut lotus root with iron knife to reduce oxidation.

Lotus root is rich in vitamin C and crude fiber, which can not only help digestion and prevent constipation, but also supply carbohydrates and trace elements needed by human body, prevent arteriosclerosis, improve blood circulation and be beneficial to health. It is generally recommended to eat lotus root three times a week, and the best effect is to eat it at dinner. Lotus root and ribs can improve sleep quality after eating.

Lotus root can strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach, and pregnant women can eat lotus root more, which can clear the accumulated blood stasis in the abdomen and promote milk secretion. Lotus root soup has antitussive effect, and direct drinking of the juice squeezed from lotus root with skin can treat severe cough. However, patients with low digestive function of spleen and stomach and gastric and duodenal ulcer should not eat lotus root. People with loose stools should not eat them raw.