The litchi fruit originated from china. It is a seasonal fruit that is round to oval shape. The word litchi or lychee means ‘gift for loyal life’. The litchi fruit has several health benefits as we shall see in this article.
1. Cancer Prevention
The litchi fruit helps in preventing cancer. This is due to the fact that it is rich in flavonoids which help fight cancer. It is rich in Flavones, quercitin and kaemferol all of which are powerful in combating the spread of cancerous cells. Litchi fruit is useful in combating breast cancer as well.
2. Combating Heart Disease
The litchi fruit is useful in dealing with blood pressure and heart rate, thereby preventing stroke and coronary heart diseases. A glass of litchi every day will help bring the blood pressure to normal as well as restoring the heart beat. It has been found that litchi fruit has one of the highest concentrations of polyphones which improve heart health. The anti-oxidants found in the fruit improve on immunity thereby slowing down the progression of cataracts and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
3. Assists in Digestion
The litchi fruit keeps the digestion healthy by cleaning the stomach as well as increasing the appetite and treats heartburn and any other burning sensation in the digestive tract. The litchi seed is rich in some properties which free the body from intestinal worms. The litchi fruit has soluble fiber which aids in bowel movement and keeps the stomach free from toxic substances as well as cleaning the colon.
4. Maintenance of Healthy Bones
Litchi fruit is abundant in phosphorus and magnesium, both of which are important in maintaining strong bones. Trace elements like copper and manganese strengthen weak bones. The zinc and copper helps in improving vitamin D functions in the assimilation of calcium for healthy bones.
5. Vitamin C
The litchi fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C, as we all know is not naturally produced within the body and has therefore to be provided for through eating fruits like litchi. The vitamin is crucial for fighting against infections such as colds, fever and sore throats. In addition, the litchi fruit assists in digestion so that you get the most out of the food you eat. The fruit is good for the skin, bones and tissues.
6. Oligonol
This is a low molecular weight polyphone found in plenty in the litchi fruit. This polyphone is an anti-oxidant which has anti-influenza actions. Additionally, it helps in improving the circulation of blood, not to mention it aids in weight loss and safeguards the skin from the harmful effects of UVA rays. Oligonol aids in reducing deep fat and reduces post exercise exhaustion.
7. Vitamin D
The litchi fruit is a rich source of Vitamin B complex vitamins, notably, riboflavin, niacin and folates. The aforementioned vitamins are useful in the body for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is also rich in Beta carotene which improves the immune system as well as improving the function of other organs such as the liver.
8. Weight loss
The litchi fruit is poor in calories which explain its role in weight loss. It has zero saturated fats or cholesterol and instead has lots of dietary fiber which is crucial for people desirous of losing weight.
Image Attribution : Luc Viatour
