What are the functions and benefits of lotus seed porridge?
Jul 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
As a common health-promoting porridge, lotus seed porridge primarily functions to strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea, calm the mind and nourish the heart, benefit the kidneys and consolidate essence, supplement nutrition, and promote digestion. Lotus seeds have a sweet and astringent taste with a neutral property, entering the spleen meridian; they are effective in nourishing the spleen and arresting diarrhea. When cooked into porridge, lotus seeds become soft and easily digested and absorbed by the spleen and stomach, thereby improving symptoms such as poor appetite and chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach weakness.
Generally speaking, as a common health-promoting porridge, lotus seed porridge has various functions and benefits, mainly including strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, calming the mind and nourishing the heart, benefiting the kidneys and consoliding essence, supplementing nutrition, and promoting digestion. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Strengthening the Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea: Lotus seeds have a sweet and astringent taste with a neutral nature, entering the spleen meridian, and possess the function of strengthening the spleen and arresting diarrhea. Once cooked into porridge, the texture becomes soft and easily digested and absorbed by the spleen and stomach, helping to improve symptoms such as poor appetite and chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach weakness, enhancing the digestive and transformative functions of the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions.
2. Calming the Mind and Nourishing the Heart: Lotus seeds enter the heart and spleen meridians, capable of nourishing the heart and calming the mind. They can help alleviate symptoms such as mental restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and frequent dreaming. Lotus seed porridge is mild and nourishing, which can help soothe emotions and regulate mental well-being after consumption. It is suitable for people suffering from poor sleep due to emotional tension and excessive stress.
3. Benefiting the Kidneys and Consolidating Essence: Lotus seeds enter the kidney meridian, having the effect of nourishing the kidneys and astringing essence. They can assist in improving conditions such as spermatorrhea and seminal emission caused by kidney deficiency. Once cooked into porridge, their effects are gently exerted, providing nourishment to the kidneys and consolidating kidney essence through daily diet. It is suitable for individuals needing kidney regulation to consume it in moderation.
4. Supplementing Nutrition: Lotus seeds are rich in nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. When cooked into porridge, these nutrients become more easily absorbed by the human body. Consuming lotus seed porridge can supply the body with multiple nutrients, meeting the needs of normal physiological activities and helping to enhance physical strength.
5. Promoting Digestion: Lotus seeds themselves contain a certain amount of dietary fiber. When cooked into porridge, the texture is soft and does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract, while also promoting intestinal motility and aiding digestion. For individuals with poor digestive function, moderate consumption of lotus seed porridge can improve intestinal function and relieve discomfort such as bloating and constipation.
It is also important to consume lotus seed porridge in moderation and according to one's individual constitution to better exert its health benefits.
