Health Benefits of Lychee
Health Benefits of Lychee
Lychee (litchi chinesis) also known as lychee nut (chinese cherry) is a tropical fruit belonging to the soapberry family (sapindaceae) native to China and Southeast Asia. China is the leading producer of lychee. Lychee is closely related to other edible tropical fruits including longan, guarana, rambutan, and ackee.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, lychee has been used to treat diabetes, coughs, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, indigestion, and to kill intestinal worms.
Lychee contains essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, folate, copper, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, calcium and manganese.
Lychee’s vitamin C content of 1 whole fresh lychee is 86% of the daily value. Lychee is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Lychee contains anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anticancer properties.
Lychee may promote weight loss due its rich fiber content. Lychee may boost your immunity, improve brain health, and manage blood pressure levels.
Lychee may prevent tumors. Studies have shown that lychee pulp has anti-tumor properties.
Lychee has been associated with brain inflammation in South and Southeast Asia but more research is needed therefore should be consumed in moderation.
Lychee may lower blood sugar levels and should be monitored closely if consuming diabetes medications.
Lychee may interact with certain medications and herbal supplements including diabetes medications, blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gingko biloba to name a few. Lychee may increase the risk of bleeding with certain medications.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791990/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622752/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33337091/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee