Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), also known as sacred lotus and Indian lotus, is an aquatic plant cultivated in Asia for thousands of years. The lotus plant has been eaten as a food for 7,000 years in Asia. Lotus flowers are popular ornamental plants in Asia. They symbolize longevity, purity, and beauty in Buddhism and Hinduism, giving background to the nickname sacred lotus. Its leaves, flowers, seeds, and underground stem have culinary uses and medicinal applications in traditional medicine. Lotus contains chemicals that seem to breakdown fat tissue. These effects might help with weight loss. It also contains flavonoids, such as quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory effects. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf, known as He Ye, is valued for its potential health benefits.
Traditional Uses and Cultural Significance
The lotus plant has been eaten as a food for 7,000 years in Asia. Lotus flowers are popular ornamental plants in Asia. They symbolize longevity, purity, and beauty in Buddhism and Hinduism, giving background to the nickname sacred lotus. Lotus has culinary uses in many Asian countries, and parts of the plant and its extracts have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera), a symbol of purity and enlightenment in many cultures, offers a variety of potential health benefits.
Lotus Leaf and Weight Management
Lotus leaf is often praised for its potential role in weight management. Lotus leaf, as a homologous substance of food and medicine, has potential advantages in regulating obesity (5). Its regulatory mechanism is characterized by multiple targets, stable efficacy, and high safety. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that lotus leaf extract can reduce the digestive capacity of the body, reduce the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates, and regulate energy consumption so as to effectively improve hyperlipidemia and obesity (6-8). It potentially contains compounds that may help regulate lipid metabolism, which could aid in the reduction of body fat. He Ye is considered one of the best Chinese herbs for weight loss. It’s widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote digestion and metabolism.
Scientific Studies on Lotus Leaf and Obesity
Several studies have explored the effects of lotus leaf extract on weight management and related metabolic parameters.
One study found that lotus leaf extract reduced blood sugar levels in rabbits with diabetes significantly more than a standard diabetes medication (17). Another study showed that mice who received lotus seed extract experienced reduced blood sugar levels (18). Additionally, research in rats with gestational diabetes found that a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, from lotus leaf reduced fasting blood sugar levels (19). Although it remains unclear, it’s speculated that the anti-diabetes effects of lotus extracts could stem from the antioxidants they contain (19).
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In a study involving female university students, an 8-week intake of potato and lotus leaf extract showed a positive effect on lowering total cholesterol (TC). Total cholesterol plays an important role in formation of the cell membrane and production of hormones; however, an excessive amount of total cholesterol may cause hypercholesterolemia and it is an important risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Lowering TC concentration would be effective in decreasing the incidence of CHD according to several previous studies, and a decrease in TC concentration by 1% has been known to decrease the incidence of CHD by 2% [23,24].
Another study evaluating the effects of lotus leaf extract (LLEE) on high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats found that LLEE intervention reversed the distribution of dominant flora abundance in the high-fat diet to some extent, indicating that the abundance ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes played an important role in the process of lipid-lowering (18, 19). LLEE protects against changes in the microbiota structure that are caused by fat intake. LLEE significantly reduced the abundance of Brautella, indicating that the liver weight and liver index of rats increased due to a high-fat diet. The damage to liver morphology and structure may be related to the increased abundance of Brautella. The LLEE intervention reduced the abundance of Brautella and improved liver damage.
How Lotus Leaf Aids Weight Loss
Lotus leaf's ability to aid in weight loss is attributed to several mechanisms:
Lipid Metabolism Regulation: Compounds in lotus leaf may help regulate lipid metabolism, potentially reducing body fat.
Digestive Support: Lotus leaf promotes healthy digestion, which is crucial for weight management.
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Appetite Suppression: Long-term use of lotus leaves might exert a suppressive effect on adipose tissue differentiation at the cellular level [19].
Other Potential Health Benefits
Beyond weight management, lotus leaf offers several other potential health benefits:
Cardiovascular Health
He Ye is potentially beneficial for heart health. The flavonoids (a group of natural compounds found in plants, known for their potential antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects, and their role in giving fruits and vegetables their colour) present in Lotus Leaf, potentially help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
Detoxification
Detoxifying the body is another notable potential benefit of Lotus Leaf. It supports liver function and may help in flushing out toxins, thereby possibly promoting overall health.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of lotus leaf are well documented. These properties may help combat inflammation and oxidative stress, which are potentially linked to chronic diseases and aging.
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The compounds in lotus may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can result from a long-term infection, exposure to harmful substances, a poor diet, smoking, and a lack of exercise. Over time, inflammation can damage tissues and contribute to diseases like clogged arteries and heart disease, cancers, and diabetes (11, 12).
Studies show that some of the compounds in lotus, like quercetin and catechin, may help prevent or mitigate these inflammatory pathways (13). Extracts from both the leaves and seeds of lotus may exhibit these anti-inflammatory properties (14).
Digestive Health
Lotus Leaf is also known for its potential positive impact on digestive health. It could help alleviate symptoms of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Forms of Consumption
Lotus leaf can be consumed in various forms to reap its potential benefits:
- Tea: Typically, lotus leaf is consumed as tea. People steep the dried leaves in hot water to make a soothing drink that can help reduce bloating and support weight management. One of the most common ways to consume Lotus Leaf is in the form of tea. Simply steep dried lotus leaves in hot water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Culinary Uses: In some cultures, lotus leaves are used in cooking. They can be used to wrap foods, adding a subtle flavour and infusing dishes with their beneficial properties.
- Bath Additive: Adding dried lotus leaf to your bath could create a soothing and detoxifying experience. The potential anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve skin irritation and provide a relaxing, spa-like experience at home. Place into a muslin bag and leave to run under the hot water before soaking in the bath.
- Face Mask: To enhance skin health, dried lotus leaf could be used as a face mask to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
Other Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss
Besides lotus leaf, traditional Chinese medicine utilizes various other herbs to promote weight loss:
- Ginseng Root: Known as Xi Yang Shen in traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the herbs for weight loss that’s gained attention for its potential health benefits. This root is believed to boost energy and help manage blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss.
- Adenophora Root: Also known as Nan Sha Shen, is typically used in teas or as an extract in various supplements. Its mild, cooling effect is believed to help nourish the body’s yin, which can eliminate unnecessary hunger and aid in maintaining a balanced appetite.
- Ginger Root: A common ingredient in both culinary and medicinal applications across many cultures. Its natural spicy flavor not only adds zest to meals but also stimulates thermogenesis, which helps the body burn more calories.
- Black Atractylodes Root: Known as Cang Zhu, is usually taken in powdered form or as part of a herbal mix in teas. The improved digestive efficiency can help in the breakdown of fats and reduction of bloating, contributing to weight loss.
- Chinese Red Date: Or Jujube, is often included in Chinese weight loss tea formulations for its health benefits. Rich in fiber and low in calories, Jujube helps promote a feeling of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake, which can help with weight loss.
- Mulberry Fruit: Known as Sang Shen Zi, is valued among natural weight loss remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help in promoting weight loss.
- Eucommia Bark: Or Du Zhong, is believed to enhance kidney and liver functions, which are important for efficient metabolism and detoxification. Eucommia Bark is typically used in the form of tea or as a supplement.
- Fennel Seed: Known as Xiao Hui Xiang in traditional Chinese medicine, is well-known among natural remedies for weight loss. This herb is popular for its ability to aid digestion and reduce bloating, both of which can help with weight management.
- Green Tea: Or Lu Cha, is one of the cornerstones of herbal medicine for weight loss. This popular beverage is rich in antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is thought to boost metabolism and fat burning.
Safety and Precautions
While lotus leaf is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts, it's essential to exercise caution when using it as a supplement or medicine. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe. Side effects seem to be rare, but lotus might cause allergic reactions such as skinitching in some people.
Using lotus in cooking is considered safe, but there’s limited information about the safety of other lotus preparations and supplements. Consult a healthcare professional before trying lotus, and avoid lotus supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
There are no standardized dosages for the many preparations of lotus. Eating lotus in amounts typically used in foods, such as when lotus root is used in Asian dishes, is generally considered safe. Dosages for lotus powders, capsules, and extracts vary widely. Recommendations range from 1-2 grams of lotus capsules to up to 15 grams of lotus root powder per day. There’s also a lack of research on the safety of lotus preparations. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional before trying any lotus supplements. If you take medications, ask about possible interactions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Surgery: Lotus might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lotus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Medication Interactions: Lotus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lotus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Lotus might slow blood clotting. Taking lotus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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