Lotus seeds are very popular in summer. They are known for their cooling effect, digestion promotion, and calming properties. They have a fragrant and sweet taste and can be eaten raw or used in porridge, soup, and desserts. Can children eat lotus seeds? What are some suitable ways for children to consume them?
Can children eat lotus seeds?
They can be consumed in moderation.
Lotus seeds are nutritious, have a mild medicinal property, and do not have any significant side effects. Children can consume them in moderation. They have the benefits of calming the mind, strengthening the spleen, stopping diarrhea, and nourishing the kidneys. Consuming lotus seeds can provide nutrition and help with calming the mind, promoting digestion, and benefiting the spleen and stomach. They are suitable for children with insomnia, frequent dreaming, diarrhea, and spleen deficiency.
At what age can children eat lotus seeds?
6 months and above.
Children can start consuming solid food at 6 months and can eat lotus seeds. However, it is important to note that babies under 1 year old should not eat raw lotus seeds. The heart of the lotus seed is bitter and cold in nature. It is better to remove the heart before consumption. The lotus seeds can be ground into powder and added to baby food. Children above 3-4 years old can have lotus seed porridge.
How much lotus seeds should children eat at a time?
8-10 grams is recommended.
Consuming lotus seeds in moderation has certain benefits for the body, such as strengthening the spleen, nourishing the kidneys, and calming the mind. It is especially suitable for children with insomnia, poor appetite due to spleen deficiency, and diarrhea. However, it is important to pay attention to the amount of lotus seeds consumed by children to avoid discomfort. Generally, the recommended amount of lotus seeds for children is 8-10 grams.
What is the best way for children to consume lotus seeds?
Lotus Seed Sweet Soup
Ingredients:
Lotus seeds, rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash the lotus seeds and remove the hearts.
2. Put the lotus seeds in a stewing bowl, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar and water.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 hours. For a softer texture, simmer for a longer time.
Benefits: Clears heat, detoxifies, and calms the mind.
Lotus Seed and Red Date Porridge
Ingredients:
Lotus seeds (15g), red dates (10), rice (appropriate amount), goji berries (as desired), sugar (as desired).
Instructions:
1. Remove the hearts of the lotus seeds and pits of the red dates. Wash the goji berries and soak them in warm water for 1 hour.
2. Boil water in an electric rice cooker, add rice, lotus seeds, red dates, and goji berries.
3. Cook until the rice grains are soft and add sugar to taste.
Benefits: Nourishes blood, beautifies the skin, and strengthens the spleen and stomach.
Precautions when children eat lotus seeds
1. Do not consume in excess.
Excessive consumption of lotus seeds by children can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
2. Do not eat the lotus hearts.
Lotus hearts have a bitter taste and are generally disliked by children. Moreover, lotus hearts are cold in nature and can be harmful to the spleen and stomach, especially for children with weak constitution.
3. Children with constipation should not consume lotus seeds.
Lotus seeds have the effect of consolidating essence and stopping excessive discharge. Consuming lotus seeds can worsen constipation in children, so it is not suitable for them.
