Author.
Hranush H. Arakelyan .
M.D. ,Ph.D,Fine Art Painter,Artist.
“Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food.”
“Hippocrates”
Introduction.
Nelumbo nucifera, also known asIndian lotus,sacred lotus,or simplylotus, is one of twoextantspecies of aquatic plant in thefamilyNelumbonaceae. It is sometimes colloquially called a water lily, though this more often refers to members of the familynymphaeaceae. Lotus plants are adapted to grow in the flood plains of slow-moving rivers and delta areas. Stands of lotus drop hundreds of thousands of seeds every year to the bottom of the pond. While some sprout immediately, and most are eaten by wildlife, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for an extensive period of time as the pond silts in and dries out. During flood conditions, sediments containing these seeds are broken open, and the dormant seeds rehydrate and begin a new lotus colony.Under favorable circ*mstances, the seeds of this aquatic perennial may remain viable for many years, with the oldest recorded lotus germination being from seeds 1,300years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.Therefore, the Chinese regard the plant as a symbol oflongevity.It has a very wide native distribution, ranging from central and northern India (at altitudes up to 1,400m or 4,600ft in the southern Himalayas), through northern Indochina and East Asia (north to theAmur region; the Russian populations have sometimes been referred to as "Nelumbo komarovii"), with isolated locations at theCaspian Sea.Today the species also occurs in southern India, Sri Lanka, virtually all of Southeast Asia, New Guinea and northern and eastern Australia, but this is probably the result of human translocations.It has a very long history (c.3,000 years) of beingcultivatedfor its edible seeds,and it is commonly cultivated inwater gardens.It is thenational flowerof India and Vietnam.
Health Benefits of Renkon.
RENKON IS RICH IN MACRONUTRIENTS.
A 100-gram serving of lotus root contains only 74 calories. But it packs in 3 grams of protein (5% of the required daily value), 17 grams of carbohydrate (6% of the required daily value), and 5 grams of fiber (25% of the required daily value).
RENKON IS FULL OF VITAMINS.
A single serving of lotus root provides the body with 44 mg of vitamin C (73% of the daily required) value. Renkon also provides 0.3 mg of vitamin B-6 and 0.2 mg of riboflavin, (13% of the required daily value for each), and it also contains 0.2 mg of thiamine (11% of the required daily value). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in freeing the body from cell damaging free radicals. It also helps in generating new cells and is important in healing wounds. B vitamins are responsible for transforming the food we eat into energy as well as keeping the skin, liver, hair, and eyes healthy.
RENKON IS PACKED WITH MINERALS.
A serving of lotus root contains 1.2 mg of iron and 23 mg of magnesium (6% of the required daily amount), 556 mg of potassium (16% of the required daily value), and 100 mg of phosphorus (10% of the required daily value). Potassium aids the body in controlling blood pressure and is important for maintaining muscle and nerve functions. Phosphorus is essential in creating DNA and strengthening the teeth and bones as well as repairing the body’s cells. Iron is necessary for creating red blood cells and transporting oxygen while magnesium helps the body keep blood sugar levels in check and allows the body to maintain normal nerve, muscle, and immune functions.
RENKON HELPS RELIEVE HAY FEVER.
Another importantbenefit of renkonis the presence of tannins (a type of biomolecule) and polyphenols that are effective in relieving hay fever. With spring in full bloom in Japan, the lotus root will be heaven sent.
1.otus root is one of the moderate calories root-vegetable. 100g root-stem provides about 74 calories. Nevertheless, it is composed of many health-benefiting phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
2.Lotus rhizome is an excellent source of dietary fiber; 100 g flesh provides 4.9 g or 13% of the daily requirement of fiber. Dietary fiber, together with slow-digesting complex carbohydrates, helps reduce blood cholesterol, sugar, obesity, and constipation conditions.
3.Fresh lotus root is an excellent source ofvitamin-C. 100 g root provides 44 mg or 73% of daily-recommended values. Vitamin-C is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant that is essential for collagen synthesis inside the human body.
4.Collagen is the main structural protein inside the body that maintains the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body protect from scurvy, develop resistance against viral infections, boosting of immunity, wound healing, and to scavenge cancer causing harmful free radicals from the body.
5.Further, the root contains moderate levels of some of the valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), folates, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and thiamin.Pyridoxine(vitamin B-6) works as a coenzyme in the neurochemical synthesis inside the human brain which influences mood and thought. Adequate pyridoxine levels help control nervous irritability, headache, and tension. It also cuts heart attack risk by decreasing harmful hom*ocysteine toxin levels in the blood.
6.In addition, the root provides healthy amounts of some essential minerals likecopper,iron,zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, includingcytochrome c-oxidaseandsuperoxide dismutase(other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Along withiron, it is also required for the production of red blood cells.
7.Crunchy, neutral yet delicate flavor of root lotus is because of its optimum electrolyte balance at an agreeable ratio of sodium to potassium at a ratio of 1:4. While sodium gives a sweet taste to the root, potassium counters
8.Lotus root (renkon) harvest begins in August and lasts until fall. Traditionally, farmeras sink their legs in knee-deep ponds and try to feel for the rhizome guiding their toes, which are then dug out by hand. The Southeastern region of China and Lake Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan are known for renkon production.
From a distance, lotus rhizomes appear as big size bananas arranged in sausage patterns. While buying, look for fresh, firm roots with smooth, unblemished skin. Fresh roots are readily available year-round in the main cities in the USA. One can also buy sliced, canned, and freeze-dried roots in the supermarkets or Japanese and other Asian stores.
Once at home, place the roots in a cool, dark place away from humidity for 3-4 days. Uncut rhizomes can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks inside the refrigerator.
If you have any questionsconcerning“Kinpira Renkon (Japanese Lotus Root)- Nelumbo Nucifera and Health”Please inform me.
Hranush H. Arakelyan
M.D. ,Ph.D,Fine Art Painter,Artist.
