Lotus seeds are sweet in nature and have the effects of nourishing the kidneys, strengthening the essence, and calming the mind. They are a common medicinal herb. However, sometimes lotus seeds can have a bitter taste. Is there a way to remove the bitterness from lotus seeds? Can bitter lotus seeds still be eaten?
How to Remove the Bitterness from Lotus Seeds
Remove the lotus heart.
The bitterness of lotus seeds comes from the green embryo in the middle, known as the lotus heart. The lotus heart has an extremely bitter taste, which is why lotus seeds can have a bitter taste. If you don't like this bitterness, you can remove the lotus heart. Lotus seeds without the lotus heart will not have the bitter taste.
Can Bitter Lotus Seeds be Eaten?
Yes, they can be eaten.
Although the lotus heart has a very bitter taste, it contains rich nutrients and has the effect of clearing the mind and relieving restlessness. The bitterness of lotus seeds is not due to spoilage or expiration, but a normal phenomenon. Therefore, bitter lotus seeds can still be eaten.
What are the Benefits of Eating Lotus Seeds?
Nourishing Kidneys and Strengthening Essence
Many people think that lotus seeds are more suitable for women, but they also have great benefits for men. They have the effects of tonifying the spleen, stopping diarrhea, nourishing the kidneys, and strengthening the essence. They are suitable for symptoms such as spermatorrhea, seminal emission, and frequent urination. When paired with Euryale seeds, the effect of nourishing the kidneys and strengthening the essence is even better.
Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Mind
Lotus seeds contain components such as β-sitosterol, glutathione, and unsaturated fatty acids. The included pentosan has higher health value. Lotus seeds have the effect of nourishing the heart and calming the mind, suitable for people with palpitations and insomnia. They can also be taken in moderate amounts by those who have been ill for a long time, postpartum women, or middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Clearing Fire and Relieving Restlessness
Lotus seeds have the effect of clearing away heart fire and relieving restlessness. The medicinal effect of clearing fire and relieving restlessness is better when not removing the lotus heart. Common fire-clearing recipes include lotus seed stewed with rock sugar, which has good therapeutic effects on internal deficiency fire. Lotus seeds can also be used for symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and thirst caused by summer heat.
Tonifying the Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea
Lotus seeds have a neutral nature and a sweet and astringent taste. They have the effect of invigorating the spleen and stopping diarrhea. They can be used to treat symptoms such as spleen deficiency diarrhea, urinary incontinence, excessive menstrual bleeding, kidney deficiency seminal emission, and restlessness. When taken with Poria cocos, they have the effects of tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea, beautifying the skin, and enhancing immunity.
Beauty and Skincare
Lotus seeds not only have excellent health benefits but also have the effect of beauty and skincare. Eating lotus seeds together with red dates can nourish the blood and improve the complexion. It has good therapeutic effects on dark spots and dull complexion. Eating lotus seeds with brown sugar can also help nourish the qi and blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.
Who Should Not Eat Lotus Seeds
1. Abdominal Distention
Lotus seeds are not suitable for those with abdominal distention caused by dietary stagnation and chronic gastritis to avoid worsening the condition.
2. Constipation
Lotus seeds have a contracting and astringent effect. They are not suitable for those with constipation caused by yin deficiency and internal heat, and blood dryness in the intestines, to avoid worsening the condition.
What are Some Lotus Seed Recipes for Health Preservation?
Lotus Seed and Chinese Yam Porridge
Ingredients
50g lotus seeds, 30g Chinese yam, 50g glutinous rice, 30g coix seed, 30g white sugar.
Instructions
1. Wash the lotus seeds, Chinese yam, glutinous rice, and coix seed, and remove the lotus heart.
2. Put the lotus seeds, Chinese yam, glutinous rice, and coix seed in a clay pot and simmer for 1.5 hours.
3. Add white sugar and cook for a while.
Squash, Lotus Seed, and Old Duck Soup
Ingredients
200g squash, 300g old duck, 20g lotus seeds, 50g Chinese yam, appropriate amount of dried tangerine peel.
Instructions
1. Wash the old duck, remove the internal organs, and cut into pieces. Blanch in boiling water.
2. Peel the squash and Chinese yam, and cut into pieces.
3. Put the duck meat, squash, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and ginger into a stewing pot.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then add dried tangerine peel. Simmer on medium heat for 3 hours, then add salt to taste.
