Lotus seeds are sweet and nutritious, loved by many people. Some people buy a lot of lotus seeds and store them at home. Due to improper storage, the lotus seeds may become infested with worms. Can we still eat lotus seeds that have worms?
Can we eat lotus seeds that have worms?
It depends on the situation.
Situation where we can eat them.
If the lotus seeds have wormholes on the surface but are not significantly affected on the inside, they can be processed before consumption. The damage to these lotus seeds is minimal and their medicinal properties are not greatly affected. Eating them after processing will not harm the body.
Situation where it is not recommended to eat them.
Lotus seeds contain amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients. They have the effects of nourishing the kidneys and stopping excessive discharge, as well as strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea. After becoming damp, lotus seeds are prone to infestation. If the infestation is severe and the inside of the lotus seeds is empty due to worm damage, with black spots covering the inside, these lotus seeds not only have reduced medicinal properties, but also carry the secretions of the worms and harbor a large amount of bacteria. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat them.
What to do with lotus seeds that have worms.
If you have bought too many lotus seeds and stored them improperly, and they have become infested with worms, but the infestation is not severe, you can take the following measures. Sun-dry or bake the lotus seeds that have worms, then continue to air-dry them for a few more days. After they have cooled down, seal and store them.
What happens if we eat lotus seeds that have worms?
It depends on the situation.
If we eat lotus seeds with minor worm damage.
If the lotus seeds have only minor wormholes on the surface, there may not be any adverse reactions when consumed. There is no need to worry too much.
If we eat lotus seeds with severe worm damage.
Some people may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea after eating lotus seeds that have severe worm damage. This is because these lotus seeds carry bacteria and worm excrement, which can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming a large amount of them may even lead to poisoning.
What to do if we have eaten lotus seeds that have worms.
If we have eaten lotus seeds with worms and experience mild discomfort, there is no need to worry too much. Simply stop consuming them immediately. If there is gastrointestinal discomfort, drinking warm water can dilute the lotus seeds in the body and alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea. If severe discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening.
How to store lotus seeds properly.
Lotus seeds are prone to becoming damp and infested with worms. To prevent this, store lotus seeds in glass or plastic containers, and keep them in the refrigerator or in a cool and well-ventilated place.
