Lotus - A Flower that Enlightens Your Mind, Soul and Body

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

The Role of Flowers in Food and Illnesses
Flowers are brightly coloured and have a pleasant scent. Most flowers are edible and provide numerous health advantages. Presently, flowers are gaining a reputation in the culinary world and holistic approaches due to their colours, healing properties and scent.



Since ancient times, flowers have always been part of the human diet along with herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. Old manuscripts from the Romans, Middle East, Indians and Chinese have reported the use of flowers in cooking, healing illness and treating wounds.



Aside from that, flowers are also used in beverages, wine production, jams or food preserves, vinegar and marinades. Not only do these medicinal flowers supply you with an abundant source of nutritional value, but it also adds colour to your food.




Nelumbo Nucifera
In this article, I’m going to share with you about a flower that enlightens your mind, soul and body – the lotus flower. Nelumbo nucifera or commonly called lotus is an aquatic plant from the family Nelumbonaceae. This plant can flourish in the flood plains of slow-moving rivers.


The lotus plant comes with a fleshy yellow rhizome, nodal roots, green fruits, large leaves and a creeping stem. The flower has 2 colours white and pink. The rhizomes can be cooked, while the flower petals and leaves can be steeped in hot water to be consumed as tea. The lotus seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. Although all parts of the lotus plants are edible, the rhizomes, flower petals and seeds are generally consumed by humans.  




10 Health Benefits of Lotus Flower
1. Antioxidant properties
Due to metabolic activities inside the body and minor illnesses, free radicals are produced in the cells of a human. Consequently, these free radical damages your healthy cells. Antioxidant destroys this free radical to help maintain healthy cells.


Studies have concurred that not only do antioxidant helps against the damage done by free radical but also may prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Lotus flower contains high levels of antioxidant properties which is the key to overall health and well-being.



2. Reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels
A poor diet can lead to the build-up of fats in the blood vessels, and eventually, people will end up with heart disease. Similarly, high intakes of sugary food combined with a sedentary lifestyle will increase the risk of diabetes. Lotus flower tends to decrease cholesterol and glucose levels.



3. Prevents cancer
Cancer is one of the major causes of death around the world. The lotus flower can repress the growth of malignant cells. This medicinal flower contains an alkaloid called Neferine, which is widely studied for its anti-cancer benefits.



4. Anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic low-level inflammation can affect the human body in various ways. As a result, people can develop health conditions such as heart disease, metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis and many more. Lotus seeds contain a rich source of flavonoids, which protects the tissue in your body against inflammation.
 


5. Protects the liver          
The role of your liver is complex and if there is damage in the liver, it will affect all bodily systems. It is responsible for the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat), storage for vitamins, bile creation, and drug metabolism. The liver is an important gland that flushes toxins out from the body.


The lotus flower can protect the liver from damage. The flavonoid from the lotus plant shows promising results against liver inflammation thus; promoting healthy liver.



6. Alleviate anxiety and stress
Stress has become common these days. Everyone in the world experiences a sort of stressful moment during their life. However, not managing it positively will lead to health and mental issues. Several studies have concluded that the lotus flower can reduce stress and enhance sleep quality, therefore; assisting in anxiety prevention. 



7. Support heart health
Globally, heart disease is one of the major illnesses that affect the human population and increases the mortality risk. Thanks to the abundance of antioxidant benefits inside the lotus flower, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease declines. Apart from that, lotus seed contains an alkaloid that prevents the formation of blood clots, which blocks the arteries and veins.



8. Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia. It is a neurodegenerative disorder due to continuous memory loss. Several studies have demonstrated that lotus seed contains neuroprotective results. The seeds can improve memory and boost brain health.


 
9. Anti-microbial benefits
Bacterial infection can happen to anyone around the world. Exposing yourselves to unclean environments and practising unhygienic habits leads to microbes invading your body. This affects the physical and mental health of a person.


Several studies indicate that the lotus flower tends to fight against bacterial infections. It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus Aureus, Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Some studies have also revealed that rubbing lotus leaves on your skin protects against fungus and ringworms.



10. Weight management
Obesity is another major public health concern affecting the human population worldwide. Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle is the primary cause of obesity. Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Lotus plants can improve blood lipid profile and reduce the weight of adipose tissues, thus being a great source in managing weight. 







All in All
Edible medicinal flowers are traditionally used in dishes during ancient civilizations for their notable nutritional value. Most of the flowers have vibrant colours and pleasant smells. Nelumbo nucifera or lotus is extensively used in alternative medicines to cure ailments and boost general health. Not only this flower can nourish your physical body, but it also has the power to heal your mind and soul, with its therapeutic advantages.



Why not try incorporating a lotus flower tea to rejuvenate your mind today? Alternatively, you can eat the seeds raw or roasted. Let me know how you feel about it in the comment sections. Remember balance is the key in any health practice.

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References
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     Model Plant; International Journal of Molecular Science; 20(15):3680.
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     Activities, and Inhibitions of the Key Enzymes Relevant to Alzheimer's Disease; Molecules; 25(16):3713.