Exploring the health benefits and cilinary uses of lotus root
What's the story
Lotus root, a nutritious and versatile vegetable, is becoming a staple for health-conscious individuals.
This article explores the benefits and culinary uses of lotus root, focusing on its nutritional profile and how you can incorporate it into your everyday meals.
With its unique texture and flavor-absorbing properties, lotus root not only adds a touch of culinary excitement to your dishes but also packs a punch in terms of essential nutrients.
Nutrition
Nutritional profile of lotus root
Lotus root is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable. A 100g serving contains approximately 74 calories, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
It's packed with vitamin C (73% DV), which supports immune function and skin health.
Plus, it offers dietary fiber (13% DV) for digestion, potassium (10% DV) for heart health, and a small amount of iron (1% DV) for energy.
Cooking
Culinary versatility of lotus root
Lotus root is super versatile in the kitchen - you can stir-fry it, boil it, steam it, or even pickle it.
It retains a great crunch while soaking up flavors like a champ.
Give it a shot by stir-frying it with some veggies and a bit of light soy sauce. Delish!
Wellness
Health benefits beyond nutrition
Apart from its nutritional profile, lotus root also provides significant health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.
These antioxidants fight against harmful free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and potentially decreasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Plus, the dietary fiber in lotus root is great for your digestive system! It helps prevent constipation and keeps your bowel movements regular.
Tips
Incorporating lotus root into your diet
Lotus root can be found in most Asian markets year-round.
When selecting, choose roots that are firm and free from soft spots or blemishes.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, kept dry inside a plastic bag.
Before cooking or eating raw, make sure to wash them under running water to get rid of any dirt from their holes.