Its summer – the perfect time to enjoy our favourite delicious and juicy litchis. Botanically this exotic fruit belongs to the family of Sapindadaceae and is scientifically known as Litchi chinensis. Lychee/Litchi is a tropical fruit native to low elevation lands of China, Taiwan and South East Asia. It is a seasonal fruit found in plenty during the summer seasons. It grows on a slow growing medium sized evergreen tree, in clusters and usually has a round or oval shape. This fruit has a close resemblance to longan and other rambutan fruits. The outer surface is covered with a red coloured rough textured easily removable rind. Inside it consists of translucent white sweet and juicy fruit. The pulp has a single glossy brown nut like seed.
In India lychee is cultivated in Muzaffarpur, Bihar and in North India. Muzaffarpur produces 75% of India’s total litchi production.
Health benefits of Litchi fruit:
Lychee which means “gift for loyal life” surely lives up to its name. The litchi benefits have been tried and proven in countries such as China and India and have also been well documented in ancient Chinese books. They contain many nutrients and vitamins that help to fight against various diseases as well as being a treatment for skin care, child growth and strengthening the body.
Litchi has anti-cancer properties. This fruit has flavonoids in the pulp which helps to fight fatal and lethal diseases like cancer. It contains Flavones, quercitin and kaemferol which are powerful compounds in reducing the proliferation of cancer cells. Litchi fruit provides impressive anti breast cancer properties.
2. Heart Disease:
Litchi normalizes the blood pressure and heart rate thereby protecting against strokes and coronary heart diseases. 1 glass of litchi juice daily normalizes the heartbeat. Litchi contains the second highest degree of polyphenols which promotes heart health. The anti-oxidant present in litchis improves immunity, slows down the advancement of cataracts and blocks all cardiovascular diseases.
3. Aids digestion:
Litchi keeps the digestion strong, maintains a clean stomach, improves appetite and cures heartburn and burning sensation in the stomach. It also enhances the energy levels in the body and contributes to the well being of the family. The seed of litchi contains astringent properties which is utilized for intestinal tract problems and frees the body of intestinal worms. Litchis contains soluble fiber which controls bowel problems and keep the stomach free from toxic compounds and help to clean the colon.
4. Maintains healthy bones:
Litchi is a wealthy source of phosphorus and magnesium which supports powerful bones and trace minerals like copper and manganese which strengthens brittle bones. Along with zinc, copper it boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin D which increases the assimilation of calcium which maintains the health of the bones.
5. Vitamin C:
Litchi is an excellent source of Vitamin C, a vitamin that body does not produce naturally. Consumption of foods rich in Vitamin C helps the body to develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful pro inflammatory free radicals. It benefits those suffering from cold, fever and sore throats. Litchi also aids in digestion to get the utmost nutrition for the body. Vitamin C is good for our skin, bones and tissues and therefore is a very important vitamin for our body.
6. Oligonol:
Oligonol is a low molecular weight polyphenol found abundantly in litchi fruit. Oligonol has several anti-oxidant and anti-influenza virus actions. It also helps to improve blood circulation, reduces weight and protects the skin from harmful UVA rays. Oligonol decreases deep fat, raises sideline blood circulation, decreases post exercise exhaustion, raises stamina as well as reduces facial lines and brown spots
7. Vitamin B:
Litchi is also a good source of B complex vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folates. These Vitamins help the body to metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats. It has a high level of Beta carotene which strengthens the immune system and improves the function of liver and other organs.
Litchi is quite low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol and is rich in dietary fiber which is very significant for people who want to lose weight.
9. Improves skin conditions:
Litchis help to nourish the skin oils which reduce the growth of acne. It also refines the skin and leads to less spot on the skin.
Nutritional value of Litchi fruit:
Lychee is very rich in Vitamin C, and contains about 72 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams. It is also rich in copper, phosphorus, and is low in sodium. It provides many B complex Vitamins and is a good source of Fiber too. The polyphenol Oligonol has antioxidant and anti-viral properties. Litchi is hot by constitution so do not consume excess of it. It might lead to skin rashes and pimples.
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