Lychee – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Earl Garcia

The exotic and succulent lychee, also known as litchi, is native to Southern China. This berry is a well-known summer treat, and is characterized by its oval shaped fruit that resemble longan and rambutans. The fruit’s outer skin is rough and leathery, but can be easily peeled when ripe. The white translucent flesh is both sweet and juicy, with some saying that the flavor and aroma resemble a combination of grapes and roses or pear and watermelon.

List of known nutrients

Aside from its rich flavor, lychees are known to contain high levels of essential nutrients that boost the body’s overall health. Below are the important vitamisn and minerals found in lychees.

Calcium
Choline
Copper
Electrolytes
Folates
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamine
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for lychee

Lychees notable for their high vitamin C levels that fortify the body’s immune system. In fact, a single serving of lychees provides more than 100 percent of the daily ascorbic acid requirement. The fruit is also known to contain high levels of the antiviral compound proanthocyanidin. Litchitannin A2, a compound seen in lychees, are also found to keep viral outbreaks in check.

The fruit contains high levels of potassium, which is essential in maintaining the body’s fluid balance. The vasodilating effect of potassium prevents the constriction of arteries and blood vessels, which in turn lowers the risk of hypertension. Dried lychees contain nearly three times more potassium than fresh lychees. Lychees are an excellent source of copper, an essential mineral that promotes blood circulation and boosts oxygenation in cells and organs.

Like other fruits, lychees are packed with dietary fiber that aids in digestion. The rich fiber content in lychees promote bowel movement and stimulate peristaltic motion of the smooth muscles in the small intestines. In turn, this bolsters the speed of food passing. Lychees are also found to stimulate the production of gastric and digestive juices that lead to greater nutrient absorption.

Lychees are also a rich source of polyphenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins that help combat free radicals, which trigger the onset of various adverse health conditions including cancer, heart disease, cognitive disorders, and premature aging. Various organic compounds found in lychees are also known to prevent the onset of cancer.

Body systems supported by lychee

Lychees are known to fortify the immune system and aid the digestive system in its functions. The fruit is also beneficial to the heart and the circulatory system. The fruit is also known to promote brain health and the body’s overall health.

Ways to use lychee

Lychee’s refreshing flavor has been used in a number of beverages, especially in cocktails, juices, and punches. Lychees can also be eaten as a table fruit or incorporated in many other recipes such as conserves, side dishes, and baked goods. Surprisingly, lychees can also be used in meat recipes. The fruit can also be used in coolers such as sorbet and ice cream.