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What are the functions and benefits of fresh lotus seeds?

Aug 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a food with both medicinal and dietary properties, fresh lotus seeds mainly have functions including nourishing the spleen and stomach, calming the mind, clearing heat and reducing internal heat, providing nutrients, and lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation. When consuming fresh lotus seeds, one should choose mature and plump fruits and remove the lotus core. They can be eaten raw directly or cooked in porridge or soup. Combining them with other ingredients can better enhance their nutritional benefits.

Generally speaking, as a food with both medicinal and dietary properties, fresh lotus seeds have several main functions and benefits, including strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, clearing heat and reducing fire, providing nutrition, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. The specific details are as follows:

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Benefiting the Stomach: Fresh lotus seeds have a sweet taste and neutral property, entering the spleen meridian, and possess the function of strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach. They can help improve symptoms caused by spleen and stomach weakness, such as poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Moderate consumption can help enhance spleen and stomach functions, promote digestion and absorption, and improve overall physical condition.

2. Nourishing the Heart and Calming the Mind: Fresh lotus seeds enter the heart meridian and have the effect of nourishing the heart and calming the mind. They are suitable for conditions such as restlessness, insomnia, irritability, frequent dreaming, and easy awakening. Consumption can help soothe emotions, relieve anxiety, improve sleep quality, and help maintain a calm mental state.

3. Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire: Fresh lotus seeds are slightly cool in nature and contain a certain amount of moisture and cooling components, which can help clear internal heat. For symptoms caused by excessive internal heat, such as dry mouth and throat, sore throat, and mouth ulcers, moderate consumption can help alleviate internal heatiness and provide a refreshing and comfortable sensation.

4. Providing Nutrition: Fresh lotus seeds are rich in various nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. These components provide energy and nutritional support to the body, helping maintain normal physiological metabolism and bodily functions.

5. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation: Fresh lotus seeds contain a certain amount of dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and increase stool bulk, helping to prevent and relieve constipation. At the same time, dietary fiber can regulate the intestinal environment and has a positive effect on maintaining intestinal health.

When consuming fresh lotus seeds, care should be taken to select mature and plump fruits and remove the lotus core. They can be eaten raw directly or cooked into porridge or soup. Combining them with other ingredients can better enhance their nutritional benefits. However, it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may increase digestive burden.

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What are the functions and benefits of lotus seeds?
Under normal circumstances, the effects and benefits of lotus seeds mainly include nourishing the heart and calming the mind, strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, benefiting the kidneys and consolidating essence, providing nutritional supplementation, and moistening the lungs to relieve coughing. When consuming lotus seeds, fresh lotus seeds can be eaten directly but should not be consumed in excess to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. Dried lotus seeds should be soaked in advance before consumption and cooked until tender for easier digestion.
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Dr. Yu Yongchao
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What are the side effects of fresh lotus seeds?
The side effects of fresh lotus seeds generally include harming the spleen and stomach due to their cold nature, abdominal distension from excessive consumption, and potential allergic reactions. Fresh lotus seeds are inherently cold in property; individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold who consume them in excess may experience increased internal coldness, leading to discomfort such as cold abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, fresh lotus seeds contain significant amounts of starch and dietary fiber. Eating too many at once can increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing symptoms such as abdominal distension and belching.
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Dr. Yu Yongchao
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Are fresh lotus seeds helpful for weakness of the spleen and stomach?
Under normal circumstances, fresh lotus seeds have a certain auxiliary effect on spleen and stomach deficiency, but it is important to consume them in moderation and they should not replace targeted regulation and treatment. When consuming fresh lotus seeds, it is recommended to remove the germ (lotus heart) and they can be eaten raw or used in porridge or soup. At the same time, excessive consumption at one time should be avoided, especially for individuals with significant spleen and stomach deficiency, who should control their intake.
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Dr. Sun Lianqing
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Do fresh lotus seeds help with anemia?
In general, fresh lotus seeds can help improve anemia to some extent, but they should be consumed in moderation. When using fresh lotus seeds to assist in improving anemia, select mature, unspoiled seeds, remove the germ before consumption to avoid bitterness affecting appetite; control the amount consumed, avoiding excessive intake at one time to prevent increased digestive burden; and use mild cooking methods.
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Dr. Sun Lianqing
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Can lotus seeds be eaten as a snack?
Under normal circumstances, lotus seeds can be eaten as a snack, but excessive consumption is not recommended. Fresh lotus seeds are relatively cooling in nature and individuals with a cold or weak constitution should avoid excessive intake to prevent discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Dried lotus seeds, if processed with candying or sugar preservation, require attention to sugar intake, and diabetic patients should be particularly cautious. In addition, if consuming lotus seeds with the germ directly, one should consider their tolerance for bitterness.
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Can fresh lotus seeds prevent cardiovascular diseases?
Under normal circumstances, fresh lotus seeds may have a certain auxiliary effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases, but one should not rely solely on fresh lotus seeds for prevention. A healthy lifestyle must also be adopted. To prevent cardiovascular disease, it is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life. In addition to consuming an appropriate amount of fresh lotus seeds, one should also eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while reducing intake of foods high in oil, salt, and sugar.
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Can fresh lotus seeds help alleviate irritability and restlessness?
Under normal circumstances, fresh lotus seeds can help alleviate irritability and restlessness. However, moderation is necessary when consuming them. Fresh lotus seeds are relatively cool in nature and individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should avoid excessive consumption, as it may cause discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The lotus seed embryo (li Xin) has a very bitter taste; if the bitterness is not preferred, it can be removed before consumption. However, if the purpose is to achieve better calming effects, the li Xin should be retained.
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Can fresh lotus seeds cure insomnia?
In general, fresh lotus seeds have a certain auxiliary effect in treating insomnia, but they should be consumed in moderation. The supportive role of fresh lotus seeds is limited and cannot replace medication for the treatment of severe insomnia. Additionally, due to their cooling nature, excessive consumption should be avoided, especially for individuals experiencing diarrhea or indigestion, as it may worsen these symptoms.
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Dr. Sun Lianqing
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