Lotus is an aquatic herb. It grows in ponds over India. The flowers are truly beautiful. The various parts of the plant are used as food or medicine. According to religious beliefs a man should be like a lotus, his head held high towards the sun and his feet towards the world of experience. Or it can be stated as a man should work without attachment , dedicated to God untouched by sin like muddy water. Goddess Lakshmi , Lord Vishnu , Goddess Ganga all are portrayed standing or sitting on the lotus flowers.
The lotus has the remarkable ability to regulate the temperature of its flower to within a narrow range just as humans and other warm blooded do. An individual lotus can live upto thousand years and has the rare ability to revive into activity after stasis.
The lotus root contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and dietary fibre and minerals like calcium, iron , magnesium , etc. The root or rhizomes may have diuretic, antidiabetic , and anti-inflammatory properties.
The lotus stem has a high nutritional value. It contains a high amount of starch. It is rich in certain constituents which have been shown scientifically in recent years to be protective against diseases like ischemic heart disease, cancer , anaemia, constipation, piles, bile stones and against certain environmental pollutants.
Dry lotus stems are a good source of protein, minerals, fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper. The lotus stem may also contain an adequate amount of other trace elements such as manganese, molybdenum, selenium, chromium and zinc. The stems are eaten as vegetables. It is very important to wash the stems thoroughly as it might contain parasites. Young stems are pickled.
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Dry lotus stem helps in the prevention of baldness.
Leaves are so large that they are used to pack rice or other food. Leaves are used to cure hematemesis , epistaxis and haematuria. Dried leaves are used to make lotus tea. Young leaves are used as vegetables.
The leaf stalks are also eaten.
Flowers are used to cure diarrhoea, cholera, fever, hyperdipsia. The flower petals are eaten or are used for garnishing. The stamens are dried and used to make tea.
Seeds are either cooked or roasted . Roasted seeds can be used as a substitute for coffee. The seeds are a good source of protein and unsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamin, calcium, iron , zinc , phosphorus and other trace elements. It also provides water soluble polysaccharide, alkaloids, flavonoids , superoxide dismutase and other bioactive compounds , vitamin B1 , B2 , B6 and E. It may cure high blood pressure and gallstones.
Lotus seed's water soluble polysaccharides have also been shown to promote lymphocyte transformation and enhance the immune function.
The seed may have anti-aging properties as it contains L -isoaspartyl methyltransferase.
The seeds contain kaempferol , a flavonoid which is anti-inflammatory . It is known to help in repairing gum tissue.
The astringent properties may help in treating kidney problems.
It also helps in maintaining the energy levels of the body.
It may relieve diarrhoea.
It may help to improve the health of the spleen.
It also fights insomnia or restlessness due to its calming effects.
It may cause allergic reactions. Patients suffering from diabetes, cholesterol problems, psychiatric problems should avoid eating the nuts.
Lotus stems and nuts can be given to children. It can be a good source of energy and protein for them and it may be economical but due to globalisation we have damaged our ecosystem. Most of the big lakes have been used to make high rise apartments. We can be like lotus but we are not. We can try to recover from this damage for our better future.
