Health benefits lychee has a lot. Lychees contain several healthy minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as potassium, copper, vitamin C, epicatechin, and rutin. These may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of lychee for health.
Health Benefits Lychee
Benefits of lychee for digestion
The significant amount of dietary fiber present in lychee helps add bulk to the stool and increases our digestive health. This facilitates bowel movements, and smooth movement through the digestive tract. The fiber present in lychee also stimulates the peristaltic motion of the smooth small intestine muscles, increasing the speed of food passing. It also stimulates gastric and digestive juices, so the absorption of nutrients is efficient. You can drink Lychee lychee helpful in preventing constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Lychee benefits the immune system
The presence of vitamin C in lychee or litchi makes it very prominent in strengthening our immunity. This water-soluble vitamin is a storehouse of antioxidants that protect our bodies from foreign germ invasions and other associated problems. Lychee juice enhances immunity to protect against common diseases like cough, cold, and flu.
Lychee is effective against cancer
The polyphenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins found in lychee are even more effective than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals and protecting the body from various diseases and afflictions. The antioxidants and flavonoids present in lychee have anticancer effects, effective, especially against breast cancer.
Lychee has antiviral property
The proanthocyanidins in lychee have demonstrated antiviral properties. The presence of oligonol and Litchitannin A2, a compound found in lychee, assist in preventing the spread or outbreak of viruses, including herpes simplex virus and coxsackie virus.
Lychee controls blood pressure
Litchis carry balanced potassium and sodium levels and this is necessary for maintaining the proper blood pressure in the body. Besides, the vasodilatory properties of potassium present in lychee enable it to soothe and relax the blood vessels in the body, leading to controlled hypertension. Lychee has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood.
Lychee has anti-influenza activity
The phenolic compound found in lychee has anti-influenza activity. The presence of oligonol stops the virus from multiplying and thus prevents flow, cough, and cold.
Lychee improves blood circulation
Litchis have been found to help in proper blood circulation throughout our body, thus ensuring the smooth functioning of organs and organ systems. Copper is another essential mineral found in considerable quantities in lychee and forms an integral part of RBC formation. Thus, the copper content in lychee can enhance blood circulation and increase the oxygenation of the organs and cells.
Lychee prevents blood vessel rupture
Litchi is rich in abundant polyphenols like the bioflavonoid called rutin. This helps to strengthen the blood vessels and control abnormal bruising owing to blood vessel rupture. This property also makes it useful in treating conditions like varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Lychee provides instant energy
Litchi is rich in vitamin C. It plays an important role in the production of collagen and carnitine which are required to break down fat. This fat breakdown provides us with instant energy.
Lychee provides improve cognition
Researchers from Southwest Medical University have published a study in the Nutrients journal which highlights the neuroprotective effect of lychee seeds. The study demonstrates significant improvement in cognitive function and prevention of neuronal injury in the rat model affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
100-gram Lychee Nutrition
- Calories: 66
- Protein: 0.8 grams
- Carbs: 16.5 grams
- Sugar: 15.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.3 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
Side-Effects of Lychee
Litchis have high sugar content, and people suffering from diabetes should consume them in moderation. They might provoke allergic reactions in some people. Litchi is also known to cause hormonal imbalance in the body. It can cause internal bleeding, fever, or any other troubles. Pregnant women should avoid having litchis until they are in the breastfeeding stage as they can cause hemorrhage and infections and harm the baby.
