Shen-Miller, J. (2002). "Long-living lotus: germination and soil gamma-irradiation of centuries-old fruits, and cultivation, growth, and phenotypic abnormalities of offspring". American Journal of Botany. 89 (2): 236–247. doi: 10.3732/ajb.89.2.236. PMID 21669732. Sacred lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera) has been cultivated as a crop in Asia for thousands of years. A ≈1300-year-old lotus fruit, recovered from an originally cultivated but now dry lakebed in northeastern China, is the oldest germinated and directly 14C-dated fruit known. In 1996, we traveled to the dry lake at Xipaozi Village, China, the source of the old viable fruits. The lotus plant originated in India and was brought to other countries, including Egypt, China and Japan, about 2,000 years ago. Today, all parts of the plant are used for food and in traditional medicine. The root, seeds and leaves in particular are used in herbal medicine. Jansen, Eva Rudy, The Book of Hindu Imagery: The Gods and their Symbols, p. 18, 1993, Binkey Kok Publications, ISBN 9074597076, 9789074597074, google books Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, Indian lotus, [1] or simply lotus, is one of two extant species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is sometimes colloquially called a water lily, though this more often refers to members of the family Nymphaeaceae. [2] a b H.M. Anawar; A. Garcia-Sanchez; M. Tari Kul Alam; M. Majibur Rahman (2008). "Phytofiltration of water polluted with arsenic and heavy metals". International Journal of Environment and Pollution. 33. doi: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.0194 (inactive 1 August 2023). {{ cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2023 ( link)

Because lotus root is an excellent source of vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant in the body, it helps boost your immune system.Flower lotus cultivars are used exclusively for ornamental purpose, producing many flowers and the lowest plant height. [40] The sacred lotus grows in water up to 2.5m (8ft) deep. The minimum water depth is about 30cm (12in). In colder climates, having a deeper water level protects the tubers more effectively, and overall is helpful for better growth and flowering. The sacred lotus germinates at temperatures above 13°C (55°F). [27] Most varieties are not naturally cold-hardy, but may readily adapt to living outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 11 (with some growers having success in zones as low as 4 or 5); the higher the zone's number, the greater the adaptability of the plants. [28] In the growing season, from April to September (in the northern hemisphere), the average daytime temperature needed is 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F). [29] In regions with low light levels in winter, the sacred lotus has a period of dormancy. The tubers are not cold-resistant, if removed from water, and exposed to the air; when kept underwater in soil, the energy-rich tubers can overwinter temperatures below 0°C (32°F). [30] If the plants are taken out of the water for wintertime storage (mostly in exceptionally cold climates), the tubers and roots must be stored in a stable, frost-free location, such as a garage, preferably in a cardboard box or container filled completely with vermiculite or perlite. Care must be taken to fully insulate the tubers. [31] [32] Planting [ edit ] The lotus plant is an aquatic perennial that is native to Asia, particularly in China and India, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Lotus varieties have been classified according to their use into three types: rhizome lotus, seed lotus, and flower lotus. Varieties that show more than one of these characteristics are classified by the strongest feature. [37] Regarding production area in China, rhizome lotus has the largest area with 200,000ha (490,000 acres), followed by seed lotus with 20,000ha (49,000 acres). [40] Rhizome lotus [ edit ] Another test-tube study using mouse cells found that both lotus seed and leaf extracts decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory genes ( 14). Menéndez-Perdomo, Ivette M; Facchini, Peter J (November 2018). "Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids Biosynthesis in Sacred Lotus". Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 23 (11): E2899. doi: 10.3390/molecules23112899. ISSN 1420-3049. PMC 6278464. PMID 30404216. Shen-Miller; Mudgett, M. B.; William Schopf, J.; Clarke, S.; Berger, R.; etal. (1995). "Exceptional seed longevity and robust growth: Ancient sacred lotus from China". American Journal of Botany. 82 (11): 1367–1380. doi: 10.2307/2445863. JSTOR 2445863. For storing, keep fresh lotus root in a cool, dark place for three to four days or in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Here're 4 Expert Suggested Health Benefits Of Lotus Stem (Kamal Kakdi):

Lotus root is an excellent source of vitamin C. Thanks to its antioxidant content, vitamin C benefits the health of skin through several different mechanisms.

The total energy obtained from 100g Lotus root grows in strands, similar to the links of sausages, and the stem can grow up to four feet in length. You can find the roots and lotus flowers in muddy ponds and rivers. Boosts immunity: Lotus stem contains antioxidants and other immune-boosting compounds, which may help protect the body against infection and disease. One of the most basic and traditional ways to cook lotus root is to stir-fry the vegetable. Simply cut it crosswise into quarter-inch slices, and cook it in oil over medium heat for two to four minutes. Now add the cooked lotus stems with the water and cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and put the gas on high. Cook till all the water has evaporated and the sabzi is nice and dry.Is lotus root good for you? Yes! It boasts a range of vitamins and minerals, including high amounts of vitamin C, copper and B vitamins. It’s also rich in fiber and low in calories, so it can aid weight loss and keep you satiated. The traditional sacred lotus is only distantly related to Nymphaea caerulea, but possesses similar chemistry. Both Nymphaea caerulea and Nelumbo nucifera contain the alkaloids nuciferine and aporphine. [ citation needed]