Lyche is one of the most cherished fruits in the summer season. The small fruit with a leathery pink skin is known for its juicy flesh and flowery flavor.
It’s also a treasure trove of micronutrients and antioxidants. The small fruit finds its origin in China where it’s also used for therapeutic purposes. The skin of litchis can be easily removed to reveal white flesh underneath. It is a seasonal fruit belonging to the soapberry family which is available mostly in the summer months.
If you’re thinking about the health benefits, here are 6 reasons why you should eat litchis
Litchi Nutrition
A 100gms of litchi or lychee contains 80 calories, 0.44g fat, 16.5g carbohydrates, 1mg sodium, 1.3g dietary fibers, 15.2g sugar, 0.8g protein, 17.5 mg vitamin C, 5mg calcium, 171g of potassium, and 0.31mg iron. Lychees or litchis are also known to have good amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols.
Here’s why you should eat the fruit
Good for heart health
Litchis contain micronutrients in the form of potassium and copper. Potassium is needed for helping your heart muscles contract and beat. This function helps pump blood to every part of your body. Dietary copper is also helpful in preventing hypertrophy of the heart.
2) Helps fight cancer
Litchis are full of antioxidants that can help fight oxidative damage in the body and improves immune functions. The vitamin C content also powers up the body’s natural defenses, helping it fight off cancerous cells. A 2006 study also showed how lychee extracts can prevent the spread of breasts cancer cells. The extracts of litchi seeds can also be used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
3) Fight with inflammation
Due to the antioxidant content, the flavanol enriched litchi can help fight any kind of inflammation in the body. It reduces the intensity of inflammatory diseases by preventing the build-up of free radicals in the body.
4) Reduces Blood Sugar
The fiber content in litchis can help slow down the absorption of blood sugar, regulating the glucose level. The fruit can also help maintain normal sugar levels making it a good addition to the diabetic diet. A study by the National Cheng Kung University also proved that lychee extracts could decrease insulin resistance in mice.
5) Helps brain functions
A study shows the effects of lychee seeds on the brain. It shows that the extracts in litchi can help prevent cognitive impairment and protect the neurons, staving off diseases like Alzheimer’s.
6) Improves blood circulation
Copper and potassium in the fruit help in cardiovascular health helping in the better blood circulation. This boosts the supply of oxygen to every cell in the body and improving its function.
