The protein biological values for Lotus seeds at both the milkripe
and dough stage is close to 100, and hence they have a high
bioavailability and nutritional value. RS content increases with
maturation stage, together with a concomitant rise in resistance
to enzymatic hydrolysis. Investigation into GI values reveals
that the GIs of fresh Lotus seeds are greater than 70 at all four
maturation stages, and thus, Lotus seeds belong to the category
of high GI foods. For this reason, it is inadvisable that diabetics
consume raw, fresh Lotus seeds. The results of this research lay
a scientific foundation for the selection of optimal harvest time
of raw Lotus seed materials, and for research into Lotus seed
processing quality.