"What Are the Potential Risks or Hazards Associated with Lotus Seed Cores?"
Hazards of Lotus Seed Core
Lotus seed core, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and common food ingredient, offers regulatory benefits to the body, aids in lowering blood lipids, and possesses antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, it contains trace amounts of toxins that, when consumed excessively, can pose significant health risks.
1. Causing Indigestion
Despite its health benefits, lotus seed core's cold nature necessitates caution against long-term or excessive consumption. Prolonged overconsumption can lead to spleen-yang and stomach-yin deficiencies, impairing spleen and stomach function, ultimately causing indigestion and loss of appetite. Therefore, avoiding long-term excessive consumption is crucial.
2. Interfering with Sleep
While lotus seed core tea boasts health advantages, timing its consumption is essential. Drinking it before bedtime is discouraged as it may increase nighttime urination, disrupting sleep patterns. Prolonged practice may result in fatigue and hinder work performance.
3. Forming a Dependency
The green embryo within peeled lotus seeds offers heart-cooling, seminal emission-stopping, and insomnia-treating effects. However, relying solely on lotus seed core for sleep promotion is discouraged, as it may foster dependency, potentially exacerbating sleep issues. Insomnia sufferers should prioritize healthy sleep habits and regular physical activity.
4. Increasing Cold Energy in the Body
Individuals already experiencing cold energy in their bodies should avoid lotus seed core, as it can intensify these imbalances, detrimental to health. Similarly, those with diarrhea or vomiting should refrain from consumption to prevent symptom aggravation and hinder recovery. Those with naturally weak constitutions are advised to avoid lotus seed core until their health improves, as it may further weaken their bodies by accumulating cold energy.