Lotus seeds have the effects of nourishing the kidneys, consolidating essence, clearing the mind, and calming the spirit. They have a neutral nature and a sweet and astringent taste. They are often used in cooking. In the hot summer season, more and more people are eating lotus seeds. So, do we need to remove the hearts when eating lotus seeds? Can we eat the lotus seed hearts?
Do we need to remove the lotus seed hearts when eating them?
It depends on individual circumstances.
Situations where removal is needed
Lotus seeds have a bitter taste and a cold nature. They have the functions of clearing fire from the heart, liver, spleen, and lungs. For those with a weak constitution and cold stomach, it is better to remove the hearts when consuming lotus seeds to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Situations where removal is not needed
Lotus seed hearts have a bitter taste and a cold nature. They have the effect of clearing heat and removing fire. They are suitable for those with symptoms of heat entering the pericardium, excessive heart fire, or disharmony between the heart and kidneys, such as high body temperature, restlessness, insomnia, red eyes, and hematemesis. People in this group do not need to remove the hearts when consuming lotus seeds.
What are the benefits of eating lotus seeds?
Tonifying the spleen and kidneys
Lotus seed porridge is a common medicinal food in daily life. It is made mainly from glutinous rice and lotus seeds and has the effects of tonifying the spleen and kidneys. It is suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, kidney deficiency, and frequent urination. When lotus seeds are combined with coix seed, they have the effects of tonifying the spleen and calming the mind, as well as tonifying the spleen and kidneys. Regular consumption can tonify the spleen, nourish the kidneys, relieve stress, and enhance immunity.
Tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea
Lotus seeds have the effects of tonifying the spleen, stopping diarrhea, nourishing the kidneys, and calming the mind. They are suitable for those with spleen deficiency and diarrhea, spermatorrhea, and restlessness. Lotus seeds have a solidifying effect and can be used to treat spleen deficiency diarrhea and poor digestion. People with spleen deficiency and diarrhea can take lotus seeds in moderation.
Nourishing the kidneys and consolidating essence
Lotus seeds enter the heart, spleen, and kidney meridians. They have the effects of tonifying the spleen, stopping diarrhea, nourishing the kidneys, and consolidating essence. They can also nourish the heart and calm the mind. Modern pharmacological research has shown that lotus seeds have sedative, cardiotonic, and anti-aging effects. Both lotus seeds and coix seeds have the effects of nourishing the kidneys and consolidating essence. When taken together, their medicinal effects are enhanced.
Nourishing the heart and calming the mind
Lotus seeds have the effect of clearing the mind and calming the spirit. They are suitable for those with insomnia, palpitations, and restlessness. Lotus seeds have a certain cardiotonic effect. The active ingredients such as lianxin alkaloids can resist arrhythmia. People who frequently suffer from insomnia can take lotus seeds in moderation. When combined with longan and lily, the effects of nourishing the heart and calming the mind are enhanced.
Can lotus seed hearts be eaten?
Yes, they can be eaten.
Lotus seed hearts are the green embryos in the middle of lotus seeds. They have no obvious toxic side effects and will not harm the human body when consumed. They also have certain medicinal value. Therefore, lotus seed hearts can be eaten.
Lotus seed hearts have a cold nature and a bitter taste. They have the effects of clearing heat and reducing fire. They are suitable for those with excessive internal heat, red and swollen eyes, and restlessness. Lotus seed hearts are often soaked in water and consumed together with licorice, bamboo leaves, green tea, etc. This combination has better effects in clearing heat, relieving restlessness, and calming the mind.
How to eat lotus seeds properly
Lotus seed and coix seed porridge
Ingredients:
75g coix seeds, 75g glutinous rice, 25g lotus seeds, 50g rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash the lotus seeds, soak them until they open, peel and remove the hearts. Wash the coix seeds and glutinous rice.
2. Pour water into a pot, add the coix seeds and glutinous rice, and cook over low heat until half-cooked.
3. Add the lotus seeds and continue cooking until the coix seeds and glutinous rice are fully cooked and sticky. Add the rock sugar and stir well before serving.
Lotus seed and red date porridge
Ingredients:
15g lotus seeds, 10 red dates, appropriate amount of rice, wolfberries, and sugar.
Instructions:
1. Remove the hearts from the lotus seeds, remove the pits from the red dates, and wash the wolfberries. Soak them all in warm water for 1 hour.
2. Pour boiling water into an electric rice cooker, add rice, lotus seeds, red dates, and wolfberries.
3. Cook until the rice grains are soft and sticky, and add sugar to taste.
Lotus seed and rock sugar soup
Ingredients:
8g lotus seeds, rock sugar to taste.
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. Cook over low heat for 3 hours. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook it longer.
Who should not eat lotus seeds
1. Those with constipation.
Lotus seeds have astringent and contracting effects on the intestines. Eating them may worsen the condition and hinder recovery.
2. Those with distension in the epigastric region.
Lotus seeds have astringent and contracting effects on the intestines. They are not suitable for those with distension in the epigastric region, as it may cause discomfort.
