Lotus Root

Lotus is a beautiful flower and has spiritual significance in Indian culture. Hindus revere it with gods like Vishnu and Lakshmi.  It is also the National Flower of India and State flower of Andhra Pradesh.

The flower is the seat of many gods but the root is blessed by them with innumerable health benefits as a boon for us. Given in the box are a few of them.

Lotus root or kamal kakri is commonly found in Indian markets.  It is widely used as vegetable in India. This stem is generally white or light green in colour and contains hollow air cubicles that run the length of the stem.  It is light greenish in colour and mildly sweet to taste.  It can be eaten raw or cooked. Almost all parts of the plant are edible.

Health benefits

• It is a great source of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin c.
• Lotus root contains a moderate amount of calories with zero cholesterol and almost no fat.
• Iron and copper in this root are integral part of red blood cell production, which reduces the chances of anaemia and increases vitality and blood flow.
• The fibre in lotus root can reduce the symptoms of constipation. It optimises the nutrient absorption through secretion of digestive and gastric juices and helps stimulate peristaltic motion in the smooth intestinal muscles to facilitate easy and regular bowel movements. Digestive and gastronomical issues can be prevented.
• Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins found in lotus root. It is an anti-oxidant and can prevent macular degeneration, help wounds heal faster and can clear up skin conditions and inflammation.
• A good amount of B complex vitamins are found in lotus root. The most prevalent are B1, B2, and B6.

• B1 in lotus root helps in conversion of glucose into energy.
• B2 helps red blood cells to transport oxygen to entire body.
• B6 is primarily involved in the production of body hormones.
• Copper in this root is helpful to maintain blood vessel health and to give way to proper metabolism of iron. It stimulates enzyme development and repairs various body parts.
• Potassium and sodium in lotus root work together to maintain fluid balance in the body. Too much sodium in the body causes dilation and constriction of blood vessels, which causes blood pressure to go up. This effects the functionality of the heart.  Potassium helps calm the blood vessels and veins so that the blood flows in the blood stream with just the right pressure.
• Vitamin C is abundantly found in lotus root. It is essential to take as much as Vitamin C because it is washed out in the body through excretion or sweat. The body must have high levels of Vitamin C to fight against infections like cough, cold and flu.  It is a strong anti-oxidant and prevents free radical formation.

Moreover, eating this root is beneficial in treating liver damage, treating worms, in stopping bleeding, urinary tract infection, increasing stamina, aiding digestion etc. It also helps stimulate  blood circulation to increase oxygenation of organs and increase functionality and energy levels. So, start including it in your diet from today itself.

By Nibhanapudi Suguna