Summers and lush, juicy fruits go together! One such favorite summer fruit for numerous is the exotic litchi. But, while you might enjoy having litchis for their sweet preference and mushy texture, are you knowledgeable about the key health advantages of litchis too? So much to make sure that in old China, gifting litchis to the royal family was taken into consideration an indication of wonderful honor.
Yes, this juicy tiny little fruit helps improve your health in more ways than one. It not just assists keep you hydrated and full throughout the hot, scorching summer seasons but additionally helps help fat burning, improve digestion, and enhance your skin health too. Continue reviewing to know even more concerning litchi advantages and exactly how you can take advantage of this small health-boosting fruit.
Know Your Ingredient: Litchis
What Is It?
Litchi is the sweet, fragrant, and pulpy fruit of the plant Litchi or Lychee.
What Are Its Benefits?
It can boost skin, remove acnes, and promote hair growth. It likewise helps weight reduction and improves food digestion, resistance, and sex drive.
Who Can Use It?
Anyone can have it apart from pregnant women and diabetic patients.
How Often?
8-10 litchis can be consumed daily.
Caution
Individuals allergic to litchis may have reactions like itching and rashes. Overconsumption may also lead to hormonal imbalance.
In This Article
Litchi – A Brief
Scientific Name – Litchi chinensis
Family – Sapindaceae
Native – Kwangtung and Fukien provinces in the Southern China
Other Names – Lichi (Hindi), Vilazi pazham (Tamil), Lichi Pazham (Malayalam)
Litchi or lychee is grown in tropical and subtropical regions and is preferred all over the world. This savory and juicy fruit grows in collections on a slow-growing medium-sized evergreen tree that bears this fruit for a limited time just. This tree also births rather spring blossoms that are truly brief.
It has a round or oval shape with a pinkish-brown rind, translucent to white flesh, and an inedible seed . It may have a short service life, but this juicy summertime treat has more than just taste to provide. Is lychee healthy? Yes It is extremely abundant in nutrients and provides various advantages for your skin, hair, and health and wellness that make it all the more tempting.
TriviaHistorically, lychee has been grown in southern China because 1059 ADVERTISEMENT, and informal records show it was grown as early as 2000 BCE. Fresh lychees were a popular homage thing at the Chinese Imperial Court throughout the Han dynasty.
Lychee Nutrition Facts
Litchis have a high nutritional value. They are very rich in vitamin C , containing about 71.5 mg per 100 grams. They are also rich in copper and phosphorus. What makes litchis unique is that they contain the polyphenol oligonol that has antioxidant and antiviral properties.
For a more detailed overview of the nutritional value of litchis, refer to the chart below.
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 66 kcal | 3.3% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.53 g | 12.7% |
| Protein | 0.83 g | 1.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.44 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 3.5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 14 µg | 3.5% |
| Niacin | 0.603 mg | 3.5% |
| Choline | 7.1 mg | 1% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.100 mg | 9% |
| Riboflavin | 0.065 mg | 5% |
| Thiamin | 0.011 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 71.5 mg | 119% |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 mg | 0.5% |
| Vitamin K | 0.4 µg | 0.3% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 171 mg | 3.5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 5 mg | 0.5% |
| Copper | 0.148 mg | 16% |
| Iron | 0.31 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2.5% |
| Manganese | 0.055 mg | 2.5% |
| Phosphorus | 31 mg | 4.5% |
| Selenium | 0.6 µg | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.07 mg | 0.5% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 0 µg | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 0 µg | — |
From vitamin C to magnesium and phosphorus, lychees are a warehouse of some vital nutrients. So, are lychees helpful for you? Look into the benefits of the fruit to learn.
Benefits Of Litchis
Skin Benefits
Hair Benefits
Health Benefits
- Have Anticancer Effect
- Promote Cardiovascular Health
- Improve Digestion
- Prevent Cataract
- Act Against Influenza
- Aid Weight Loss
- Regulate Blood Circulation
- Prevent Blood Vessel Rupture
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Provide Instant Energy
- Protect From Herpes Virus
- Strengthen Immunity
- Regulate Blood Pressure
- Provide Stronger Bones
- Prevent Anemia
- Increase Libido
Litchi Benefits For Skin
Litchis are simply amazing for our skin. Whether you are suffering from ugly wrinkles or dry skin , these exotic fruits have a solution for everything.
1. Prevent Signs Of Aging
As you get older, your skin begins to reveal the first indications of aging. Litchis, when used topically, can assist delay their look.
What You Need
- 4-5 litchis, deseeded and peeled
- ¼ ripe banana
What You Have To Do
1. Mash the banana and litchis. Mix well so that they form a smooth paste.
2. Gently massage the paste on your face and neck using circular motions.
3. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Why This Works
As you age, your body generates a growing number of free radicals. These totally free radicals harm your skin and cause creases. Litchis are rich in antioxidants that combine with the free radicals and prevent them from damaging your skin ( 1 ).
2. Help Remove Blemishes
Blemishes are the bane of anyone who seeks flawless skin. Applying litchi juice can help fade away the blemishes and marks , leaving you with clear skin.
What You Need
- 4-5 litchis, peel and seed removed
- 2-3 cotton balls
What You Have To Do
1. Mash the litchis to make a paste.
2. Soak the cotton balls in the paste, and apply to your face or just the affected areas.
3. Keep for 15 minutes, and wipe off with a clean washcloth soaked in cold water.
Why This Works
Blemishes are basically spots bearing the signs of hyperpigmentation . Litchis are excellent sources of vitamin C ( 2 ). This makes them a potent cure for blemishes ( 3 ).
3. Reduce Sunburns
Investing excessive time in the sun can cause inflammation and sores. Sunburns can create discomfort and irritation, and applying litchi instilled with vitamin E can assist soothe your inflamed skin.
What You Need
- 3-4 litchis, peel and seed removed
- 1 vitamin E capsule
What You Have To Do
1. Remove the juice from the litchi pulp. To do this, you require to mash the pulp and pass it via a strainer.
2. Puncture the vitamin E capsule and add it to the juice.
3. Apply to the affected areas and rinse with cold water after 30 minutes.
Why This Works
Litchi works for dealing with sunburns due to its vitamin C web content. A combination of vitamins C and E has been shown to deal with the results of the sun on the skin ( 4 ).
Related: Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Sunburn?
Litchi Benefits For Hair
Apart from being a blessing for your skin, litchis also add shine and bounce to your hair.
4. Promote Hair Growth
Be it stress and anxiety or air pollution, a host of aspects can ruin our hair. Litchis, when made use of topically, can aid promote hair development.
What You Need
- 7-8 litchis, juice extracted
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
1. Mix the litchi juice and aloe vera in a bowl.
2. Massage the mixture into your scalp.
3. Keep it on for 60 minutes, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Why This Works
Your hair grows when the hair roots are appropriately nourished. Copper peptides enlarge the hair follicles, which considerably lowers the relaxing phase of hair growth ( 5 ). Since litchi is an excellent source of copper, it helps stimulate the hair follicles and makes your hair grow.
Related: 5 Ways To Spot Signs Of New Hair Growth
5. Provide A Distinct Shine To Your Mane
Is your hair shedding its natural luster owing to the harsh weather? Beginning making use of litchi pulp as a conditioner for your hair.
What You Need
The pulp of 8-10 litchis
What You Have To Do
1. Mash 10 litchis to make a pulp and apply this pulp to your hair.
2. Wash thoroughly after 15 minutes to achieve shiny and beautiful hair.
Why This Works
Litchi is rich in vitamin C that allows it to refurbish the luster in our hair. It is also filled with copper and iron that are accountable for keeping the original hair shade.
Health Benefits Of Litchis
The exotic and the stunning litchi is full of health benefits varying from aiding weight-loss to stop cancer cells. Allow's take a look.
6. Have Anticancer Effect
One of one of the most vital benefits of litchi is that it has anticancer impacts. Having it each day in any form, consisting of litchi juice, can actually aid protect against the incident of this fatal condition.
Why This Works
Research utilizing litchi removes have actually revealed that they include effective anti-oxidants and flavonoids and have anticancer results, which are particularly reliable versus breast cancer cells ( 6 ).
7. Promote Cardiovascular Health
Researchers state that the antioxidants present in litchis can help promote cardiovascular and heart health.
Why This Works
Litchis contain a compound named oligonol that promotes the production of nitric oxide ( 7 ). Nitric oxide or NO is a vasodilator, which indicates it helps broaden the capillary to permit blood to stream through appropriately. This reduces the stress on your heart to pump blood, reduces the damage your heart undergoes, and improves the total cardio health.
8. Improve Digestion
If you frequently struggle with irregular bowel movements or other disorders associated with the GI system, try consuming litchis to reduce your digestion.
Why This Works
As a fruit native to the region, litchis were
consumed by the Chinese to help with digestion and relieve stomach ailments ( 8 ). Litchis have a great deal of water web content, which has a comforting impact on the tummy. They additionally have a significant amount of fiber, which helps in digestion ( 9 ).
9. Prevent Cataract
Cataract is a visual problems that is triggered because of the clouding of the lens in the eyes. Considering that cataract affects millions, there have actually been countless researches carried out regarding it. One study wrapped up that litchis might assist hinder cataract and boost vision.
Why This Works
Litchis contain phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant and antineoplastic i X The property of medicines that quit the formation of tumors (irregular growths) and are utilized to eliminate cancerous cells in the body. buildings. This indicates that they aid protect against unusual development of cells, which aids prevent cataract ( 10 ).
10. Act Against Influenza
Influenza is brought on by viruses and is an extremely transmittable condition. As a result of specific strains of these infections showing resistance to typical antiviral medicines, there is a requirement to develop brand-new drugs. Litchi fruit essences have revealed to be reliable against these viruses.
Why This Works
Litchis exhibit antiviral properties due to the presence of oligonol that stops the virus from multiplying ( 11 ).
11. Aid Weight Loss
Being a low-calorie fruit, litchi is ideal for those who are looking to lose weight .
Why This Works
Litchis don’t have too many calories, with 100 grams containing only 66 calories ( 2 ). They also include a lot of water, a significant amount of fiber, and have minimal fat material. This makes them excellent for those wanting to lose weight.
12. Regulate Blood Circulation
Litchis have actually been found to aid in appropriate blood flow throughout our body, thus making certain smooth functioning of body organs and organ systems.
Why This Works
The existence of a variety of nutrients, including magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, folate, and vitamin C, plays a crucial function in making litchis a true blessing for our blood circulation system ( 12 ).
13. Prevent Blood Vessel Rupture
Consuming litchis or litchi juice can help in controlling abnormal bruising owing to blood vessel rupture.
Why This Works
Litchi is abundant in plentiful polyphenols like the bioflavonoid called rutin. This makes it a need when it involves the strengthening of the blood vessels ( 13 ). This property also makes it useful in treating conditions like varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
14. Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Consisting of tasty litchis in your diet can aid deal with inflammation and tissue damages that can occur due to numerous factors, including vigorous workout.
Why This Works
It has been found out that flavanol-rich litchi fruit extracts (FRLFE) possess anti-inflammatory properties ( 14 ).
15. Provide Instant Energy
Having litchis in the morning can aid you get off your sleep well by giving the much-needed commence to your day. Besides, the fruit additionally effectively supplies tension relief.
Why This Works
Litchi is abundant in vitamin C, which offers a number of essential features in the body consisting of being a crucial co-factor in all enzymatic reactions. It plays a crucial duty in the manufacturing of collagen and carnitine that are needed to break down fat, giving us with immediate energy ( 15 ).
16. Protect From Herpes Virus
Litchis can also protect us from the deadly herpes i X A skin problem brought on by a virus called herpes simplex. It develops sores in the genitals or mouth and is a very infectious condition. simplex. It produces sores in the genitals or mouth and is a highly contagious illness."] virus.
Why This Works
This fantastic fruit has proanthocyanidins that bring really powerful antiviral residential or commercial properties. These residential or commercial properties make it efficient versus rare and problematic viruses like herpes i X A skin disease triggered by an infection called herpes simplex. It produces sores in the genitals or mouth and is a highly infectious disease. simplex. It creates sores in the genitals or mouth and is an extremely transmittable illness."] or coxsackie ( 16 ).
Related: 15 Effective Home Remedies For Herpes & How To Use Them
17. Strengthen Immunity
Does a mild weather adjustment make you prone to chilly and cough? It's fairly possible that you have a weak resistance. Have litchis to strengthen your immunity.
Why This Works
The presence of vitamin C in litchi makes it very effective in strengthening our immunity ( 17 ). This water-soluble vitamin has lots of anti-oxidants that safeguard our body from international germ intrusion. Hence, it is a highly recommended fruit for young youngsters.
18. Regulate Blood Pressure
We generally stay clear of pulpy fruit to preserve blood pressure. However, litchi is remarkable if you wish to get your blood pressure under control.
Why This Works
Litchis bring well balanced potassium and salt levels, which is absolutely required for keeping appropriate blood pressure. Additionally, the vasodilatory residential or commercial properties of potassium allow it to calm and relax the blood vessels in the body, leading to the controlled high blood pressure ( 18 ).
19. Provide Stronger Bones
Consuming litchis regularly can make your bones stronger.
Why This Works
Litchis teem with necessary substances required for healthy bones, such as magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, iron and many others. These minerals really boost the calcium absorption in the bones, thus making them healthy and balanced.
20. Prevent Anemia
Litchis play an important part when it comes to the prevention of anemia.
Why This Works
This fruit contains a crucial quantity of copper, which enhances the RBC matter in the blood. Most of us understand that anemia occurs due to lower in the hemoglobin degrees. This can be avoided by consuming litchis ( 19 ).
Related: 13 Home Remedies To Cure Anemia – Symptoms, Causes, And Diet Tips
21. Increase Libido
Many studies have concluded that litchi can enhance sexual desires in humans.
Why This Works
Litchi is understood to promote the sex drive due to the wealth of crucial components like potassium, copper, and vitamin C ( 21 ).
Undeniably, there are numerous litchi fruit benefits. But are there any side effects too? Let us find out.
Litchi Fruit Side Effects
- Litchis have high sugar content, which is why people suffering from diabetes should have them in moderation.
- They might create allergies in some individuals. So, if you have had some history with it, you need to absolutely stay clear of consuming litchis.
- Litchi is likewise known to interrupt the hormone equilibrium in the body. So, eat it in small amounts as it can trigger interior blood loss, high temperature or many various other problems.
- Expecting women need to avoid having litchis till they are in the breastfeeding phase as they can create hemorrhage and infections and harm your child.
Litchi seeds contain the compound methylene cyclopropyl glycine, which has been linked to outbreaks of encephalopathy i X Any type of type of mind illness that affects the working and structure of the brain, such as stroke and brain lump. It considerably reduces blood glucose degrees in malnourished kids ( 20 ).
How To Store Lychee?
Litchis are mostly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. They are seasonal fruits, and are usually readily available from June through October. They are very perishable, and as soon as tweezed from the tree, do not ripen any type of better.
A pinkish-brown shell shows that the fruit is fresh. Select litchis that are firm, really feel hefty, and have a completely dry shell. Stay clear of the ones that really feel soft, or have actually cracked covering or black places.
Litchis do not have a long life span. When kept in the refrigerator in a plastic bag, they can last about 10 days. Refrigeration generally transforms the covering of the litchi darker without influencing the fruit.
Recipes Using Litchis
These flavorful fruits can be used to whip up many scrumptious concoctions. Take a look:
1. Litchi Lemonade
Make a refreshing summer drink by adding litchi to the classic lemonade.
What You Need
- 12 litchis, peeled and pitted
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
What You Have To Do
1. Blend the litchis till a puree is formed.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend or use a shaker to combine.
3. Serve in a tall glass with ice cubes.
Arundhatee, a blogger, shared a personal lychee juice dish that her father made use of to produce her given that she was young. She composes, "I understand that lychee juice is conveniently available. However by doing this, it's a lot fresher and healthier. You can likewise manage the sweetness and thickness you want in your juice ( i )." All you require to make this juice is lychee, honey or sugar, and water. Mix and strain the fruit pulp to obtain its juice. After that add in some water relying on the uniformity you prefer. And sugarcoat or honey and ice.
2. Litchi Pudding
Who doesn’t love pudding? Here’s a quick recipe to make yummy litchi pudding.
What You Need
- 50 g pomegranate
- 1 ½ cups chopped litchis
- 200 ml fresh cream
- 1 tbsp
- gelatin
- 3 tbsp
- custard powder
- 3 cups
- milk
- 1 tin
- Milkmaid sweetened condensed milk
What You Have To Do
1. Mix the custard powder in a little milk. Now, add this thick paste to rest of the milk and let it steam. Ensure the consistency is thick.
2. Soak jelly in a dash of water and include this to the custard. Mix well. Currently, add milkmaid and mix effectively. Let the mix cool for time.
3. Take one more dish and whisk the lotion in it and put it in the custard. Add pomegranate and litchi and refrigerate it for two to three hours.
Your custard is ready!
3. Litchi Iced Tea
Here’s a recipe for litchi iced tea to quench your thirst.
What You Need
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp black tea
- 5 tbsp powdered sugar
- 8 tbsp litchi crush/ litchi puree
- Ice cubes
What You Have To Do
1. Boil water in a pan.
2. Add tea leaves and cover it for 20 minutes. You can add more tea if you like your tea strong.
3. Allow the mix cool for half an hour and after that stress it. Include litchi crush and sugar to it. You can raise or lower the amounts of sugar and crush according to your preference.
4. Take a glass and fill it with ice cubes. Now, pour the litchi tea over it and serve chilled.
4. Other Uses
Usually, litchis are eaten with their covering and seed eliminated. Their wonderful taste makes them an excellent addition to shakes, salads, and desserts.
1. Peeled and chopped litchis can be served on a cheese platter.
2. Litchis can be added to ice cream, custard, and yogurt and served as dessert.
3. They can be dried out with the rind undamaged so that the pulp reduces. Dried litchis are also known as litchi nuts.
Like lychee, longan is one more popular Oriental fruit. However which one should you choose? Discover the crucial distinctions in between them in the following section.
Longan Vs. Lychee
Longan, also called dragon's eye, is a relatively smaller fruit with translucent, sweet flesh. Lychee, on the various other hand, is bigger and has reddish-pink, bumpy skin.
While both fruits are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, lychee has a slightly higher sugar content ( 2 ), ( 21 ). Longan's refined musky and sweet taste is favored by those that appreciate a milder preference, while lychee's much more extreme, flower taste appeals to those with a sweet tooth.
Hence, the selection in between the two fruits boils down to personal preference. These one-of-a-kind attributes make both fruits useful enhancements to various savory dishes and desserts.
Infographic: Important Health Benefits Of Litchis
Litchi is one preferred summer season fruit that maintains you hydrated. Litchis are abundant in vitamin C, and their antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-aging, and antioxidant residential or commercial properties provide lots of wellness, skin, and hair advantages.
Below, we have actually listed down the most vital lychee advantages that you might would like to know. Have a look at the infographic below.
Illustration:
Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.
The benefits of litchis are various, and their delicious preference makes them a favorite for lots of. Litchis are rich in vitamin C, copper, and phosphorous. They advertise cardiovascular wellness, boost brain feature, improve memory, induce hydration, help weight reduction, and reinforce resistance. Lychees can additionally eliminate blemishes, minimize sunburns, and increase hair development. However, a couple of people could be adverse lychees. Hence, care is advised. Attempt any one of the above-mentioned recipes and delight in the benefits of litchis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lychees can you eat in a day?
You can consume 8-10 lychees in a day. However, do not surpass this number as excess intake can cause cramping, bloating, and nausea.
Is litchi harmful to health?
Fully ripe litchis are normally risk-free to consume. Nevertheless, immature lychee may cause throwing up because of the visibility of the contaminant hypoglycin A
Does litchi increase weight?
Litchis give dietary fiber and have fewer calories, and might instead assist with fat burning. Nevertheless, they are reasonably high in sugar as well-- and may trigger weight gain if eaten in excess. Small amounts is essential.
Can we eat litchi at night?
No, it is not advisable to consume litchi at night as a result of its sugar web content. It might increase up blood sugar level degrees. Consuming it in the early mornings aids enjoy optimum advantages.
Key Takeaways
- Litchis are a rich source of antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and control free radicals.
- Litchis carry an abundance of vitamin C, which is helpful in reducing stubborn pigmentation and blemishes.
- The copper content in litchis aids in stimulating hair follicles, which in return promotes hair growth.
- Litchis support the digestive system and can help relieve constipation.
Discover 8 remarkable wellness benefits of lychee fruit! From boosting immunity to aiding food digestion, this scrumptious fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition. Click the complying with video to read more!
