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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Table of Contents
The lotus is such a beautiful and elegant flower, isn’t it? You might have offered it in temples and the lotus is considered a sacred plant which is religiously significant in Hinduism and Buddhism. Scientifically, lotus is known as Nelumbo nucifera and it belongs to the family Nelumbaceae. It is also the national flower of India. This sacred lotus is also known as the Indian Lotus (N. nucifera) and is found in regions of Asia and Australia. In the southern and Northern American regions, another variety of lotus, known as the American Lotus (N. Lutea Willd.) is found.1 Lotus propagates in different ways by the running stem division which is also called straps or nonenlarged rhizomes.
Not only is the lotus a beautiful flower with religious significance but also with medicinal and culinary importance. The various parts of the lotus such as the stem, root, seeds and even a few flowers can be eaten. Let us specifically elaborate on the lotus stem. In India, it is known as Nadru and is naturally seen in the beautiful Dal Lake and Wullar lake of the Kashmir valleys. More information about the lotus stem is explored in the following sections.2
The total energy obtained from 100g of lotus stem is 74 Kcal.3 The following nutrients are present in the lotus stem.
The vitamins present in the lotus stem are:
From my perspective, the Lotus stem may be used for relieving cough. Lotus stem has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may help to combat the bacteria causing cough.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Lotus stem might possess the following properties:
Also Read: Turnip: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh
The nutrient profile of the lotus stem might be responsible for its potential health effects. Lotus stem might have the following health effects.
The animal study showed that lotus root might help the liver against the accumulation of fat in it. It was seen that the lotus root extract alone or along with the supplementation of taurine might suppress the formation of fat droplets in the liver. Therefore, lotus root might safeguard the liver from diseases.4 However, more studies are required to prove the effects of lotus stem against liver diseases. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Do not self-medicate.
In a study, it was noted that the lotus root extract might help in lowering the fat tissues in the body. The lotus root extracts, or taurine supplementation might help reduce the accumulation of fat in the tissues and may help in reducing body weight. Therefore, it might be beneficial for weight management. However, more research is required to prove these possible effects on humans.4 Kindly consult a doctor before making drastic changes to your diet for weight management. Your doctor will guide you about healthy ways to manage weight and make dietary recommendations accordingly.
Lotus root might exhibit antioxidant activity through which it might eliminate free radicals. A study showed that even though the lotus stem might have low phenolic content, it might have high antioxidant activity. In another study, the significant antioxidant activity of lotus root was recorded which might be due to its property of scavenging free radicals and may reduce oxidative stress. This might reduce the oxidative stress in the body and further it might be against chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. However, more research is required to prove this activity in humans.4,5
Lotus stem is known to be high in fibre. As it is rich in fibre, it might also help in digestion. It is also a good natural source of protein, fibre, and iron. Therefore, it might be good for gut health. It may also be used as an alternative ingredient in the making of healthy foods. However, more research is required regarding this subject.6
Lotus stem has been used in traditional medicine systems for a long time. It may be used for conditions like haemorrhoids (piles), dysentery (watery and mucous stools), nutritive disorders, chronic indigestion, and as a diuretic (for urine output). In Ayurvedic medicine, it may be used for treating intestinal parasites (anthelmintic), vomiting, skin diseases, and nervous exhaustion. However, there is no scientific proof for all these effects. However, there is a need for more research on lotus stems. Overall, due to the presence of fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and calcium in it, the lotus stem might be good for the bowels, skin, heart, and bone. 1
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of lotus stem in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of lotus stem on human health.
Also Read: Betel Leaves: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
Lotus has compounds that help break down fat, lower blood sugar, destroy germs and cancer cells, reduce swelling, and protect the heart and blood arteries. Hence, from my experience, brain appears to be protected by chemicals found in lotus.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
You can use lotus stem to make dishes of various kinds. Especially in Kashmir, the lotus stems also known as nadru form an integral part of feasts. The following delicacies can be made using the lotus stem:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking lotus stem or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Further research must be conducted to state the side effects of lotus stem. Therefore, if you notice any unusual signs after eating a lotus stem, please consult a doctor and bring it to their notice.
Also Read: Spring Onion: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
There is insufficient data regarding the use of lotus stem by pregnant women, and nursing mothers. There is insufficient data regarding the effects of lotus stem on children and elderly individuals too. Therefore, it is advised that you consult a doctor before using a lotus stem.
Also Read: Maple Syrup: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
You should consult a doctor regarding the safety of eating lotus stem if you are undergoing any treatment and are on medication. This is suggested as lotus stems might interact with unknown drugs and may alter their activity. However, such data has not been mentioned in currently researched data. But, there is a need for more research regarding it.
Lotus stem might help against liver diseases, oxidative stress, piles, and nutritive disorders. It might also be good for digestion and weight management. However, more research is required to prove these potentialities of lotus stem. Kindly consult a doctor for the mentioned conditions, and do not self-medicate.2,4,6
Yes, the lotus stem is edible and might be good for health. It might prove to have medicinal uses.1
Lotus stem is rich in nutrients like fibre, calcium, and iron. It also contains various other nutrients like carbohydrates and fats, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. 3
In traditional medicine systems, the lotus stem was used for treating skin diseases. However, there is insufficient data and scientific backing for such effects of lotus stem. Therefore, there is a need for more research on the subject.1
Lotus stem is rich in fibre. Moreover, it was used in traditional practices to treat haemorrhoids. Therefore, it might be helpful for haemorrhoids (piles). However, more research is required. Kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.1
1. Perveen N, Mir H. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): A blessing to mankind. Pop Kheti [Internet]. 2019;7(4). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343635964_The_Sacred_Lotus_Nelumbo_nucifera_A_Blessing_to_Mankind
2. Sheikh SA. Ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). J Med Plants Stud JMPS [Internet]. 2014;42(26):42–6. Available from: https://www.plantsjournal.com/archives/2014/vol2issue6/PartA/7.1-516.pdf
3. Du H, Zhao X, You JS, Park JY, Kim SH, Chang KJ. Antioxidant and hepatic protective effects of lotus root hot water extract with taurine supplementation in rats fed a high-fat diet. J Biomed Sci [Internet]. 2010;17(Suppl 1): S39. Available from: http://www.jbiomedsci.com/content/17/S1/S39
4. Kaur C, Kapoor HC. Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Some Asian vegetables. Int J Food Sci Technol [Internet]. 2002 Jan 7;37(2):153–16. Available from: https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2621.2002.00552.x
5. Kanaujiya G. To Nutritional Profile of Dietary Fibre Pizza Base and Sensory Evaluation of Develop Product. 2017;3(6):932–6. Available from: https://www.ijariit.com/manuscripts/v3i6/V3I6-1398.pdf
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