My family loves eating lotus seeds to sleep well, especially to cook porridge for the baby. So, doctor, what should we pay attention to when using lotus seeds? (Quynh, 30 years old, Hanoi ).
Reply:
The scientific name of lotus seeds is Nelumbinis semen, derived from the lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera). Lotus seeds are not only used as snacks, to cook sweet soups, make jams, and prepare many delicious and nutritious dishes, but are also a precious medicinal herb.
In 100g of dried lotus seeds, there are 332 Kcal, 64.47g of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Lotus seeds also contain beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, and alkaloids. This is considered an excellent source of nutrients, bringing many health benefits such as helping to sleep well, relax, reduce stress, good for the heart, lower blood sugar, support digestion, nourish pregnant women, lose weight, fat, anti-inflammatory, pain relief.
However, when using, you need to pay attention to the dosage to adjust it to suit your health, age and other related factors. The usual dose is about 2-3 handfuls of lotus seeds, or from 250 mg to 3 g of lotus seed powder, or 2-5 g of lotus heart.
Children should not eat too many lotus seeds because their digestive system is still weak and cannot absorb them. In addition, they can also have allergies, causing difficulty breathing, itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylactic shock and death if not treated promptly. Parents should not mix lotus seeds into porridge because it can easily cause bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite in children.
Lotus seeds have anti-diarrheal properties. Therefore, consuming too much can lead to bloating, indigestion, and constipation. People with gout or a history of kidney stones, or at risk of kidney stones, should eat lotus seeds in moderation. People with heart disease should remove the lotus heart when using lotus seeds or use them in moderation. You should roast the lotus heart until it turns yellow to remove toxins before using.
People who are taking Western medicine to treat diabetes and blood pressure, when using lotus seeds in their diet, should consult a doctor to avoid excessive hypoglycemia and blood pressure.
Lotus seeds have been widely used in life, cuisine and medicine. However, people need to choose products with clear origins, ensure food safety and consume in moderation to ensure health. At the same time, you must be aware of your potential allergic reactions to lotus seeds to avoid affecting your health.
Doctor Huynh Tan Vu
Department of Traditional Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Source link
Comment (0)