What are the benefits and effects of soaking lotus seeds in water?

Generally, lotus seed tea, made by steeping lotus seeds in water, has various effects and benefits including calming the mind and relieving anxiety, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach, clearing heat and reducing internal fire, promoting digestion, and providing essential nutrients. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Calm the mind and relieve anxiety: The active ingredients in lotus seed tea can act on the nervous system, helping to soothe emotions and alleviate irritability and anxiety. For individuals experiencing restlessness or insomnia with vivid dreams, moderate consumption may help improve sleep quality and maintain a peaceful mental state.

2. Strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach: Lotus seeds have a sweet taste and neutral nature, affecting the spleen meridian. Drinking lotus seed tea may help enhance spleen and stomach function. For symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness, such as poor appetite and indigestion, moderate consumption may promote digestion and improve the body's absorption capacity.

3. Clear heat and reduce internal fire: Lotus seeds are naturally slightly cooling in nature, and lotus seed tea retains this heat-clearing property. It can help alleviate internal heat symptoms, such as dry mouth and throat or sore throat caused by excessive internal heat. Moderate consumption can bring a refreshing and comfortable feeling.

4. Promote digestion: Lotus seeds contain a certain amount of dietary fiber, some of which dissolves into the water during steeping. Drinking lotus seed tea may stimulate intestinal motility, aid digestion, prevent constipation, and support normal intestinal function.

5. Provide essential nutrients: Lotus seeds are rich in protein, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. Lotus seed tea allows some of these nutrients to dissolve into the water. Drinking it may help supply necessary nutrients to the body, supporting normal physiological functions and metabolism.

When consuming lotus seed tea, you may add an appropriate amount of rock sugar according to personal taste preference, but it's important to control sugar intake. Additionally, it is recommended to choose high-quality lotus seeds, wash them thoroughly before brewing, and avoid excessive consumption to prevent placing extra burden on the gastrointestinal system.