In the hot and dry summer weather, lotus seeds are loved by many people for their ability to clear away heat and relieve annoyance. Lotus seeds have a sweet taste, but sometimes they can also be bitter. Why is that?
Why are lotus seeds bitter?
Some people find lotus seeds bitter when they eat them. This is because they haven't removed the lotus heart, which is the green germ inside the lotus seed. The lotus heart is not only extremely bitter in taste, but also has a cold nature. However, it has good effects in clearing away heat.
Why is the lotus heart bitter?
The bitterness of the lotus heart is related to its components. It contains lotusine, nuciferine, apigenin, and flavonoids. Among them, nuciferine and apigenin have bitter properties, so the lotus heart tastes bitter. The bitterness becomes more pronounced as the lotus seed matures.
Can the lotus heart be eaten?
Yes, it can be eaten.
Although the lotus heart has a bitter taste, it has good medicinal value. The lotus heart can clear away heat, lower blood pressure, relieve annoyance and thirst, cool down the body in hot weather, and improve sleep. It is suitable for people with excessive heart and liver fire, restlessness due to heat, irritability and thirst, dizziness and heaviness in the head, palpitations and insomnia, and red and swollen eyes, especially during the hot summer season.
How to eat the lotus heart in a better way?
Lotus Heart and Licorice Tea
Ingredients:
2g lotus heart, 3g licorice.
Instructions:
Put the lotus heart and licorice in a teapot, pour boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
Effect: Clear away heart fire, relieve heat, relieve annoyance.
Lotus Heart and Green Tea
Ingredients:
2g lotus heart, 3g green tea.
Instructions:
Put the lotus heart and green tea in a teapot, pour boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
Effect: Clear away heat, relieve annoyance, cool down the body.
Lotus Heart and Bamboo Leaf Tea
Ingredients:
2g lotus heart, 3g bamboo leaves.
Instructions:
Put the lotus heart and bamboo leaves in a teapot, pour boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
Effect: Clear away heart fire, relieve annoyance, nourish the spirit.
Precautions when eating lotus heart
1. Not suitable for people with weak and cold constitution.
The lotus heart has a cold nature. It is not suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach or heavy internal cold, as it may cause discomfort.
2. Not suitable for long-term consumption.
The lotus heart has a bitter taste and a cold nature. Long-term consumption may cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, such as abdominal pain and bloating.
3. Not suitable to be consumed with milk.
Milk contains abundant calcium. When consumed together with lotus seeds, it may cause a chemical reaction and have an impact on bowel movements, leading to constipation.
