Lychee is the sole member of the genus Litchi in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. It is a tropical native tree to the Guangdong and Fujian provinces of southeastern China, where cultivation is documented from the 11 century.
Health benefits of Lychee are as follows:
- Boosts immunity. This fruit has a lot of vitamin C which means your immune system gets a major boost, as vitamin C is a major antioxidant compound and is known to stimulate the activity of white blood cells, which are the main defensive line of your body’s immune system.
- Improves Cognition. By highlighting the neuroprotective effects of Lychee seeds.
- Aids in Digestion. The dietary fiber in Lychee helps add bulk to your stool and increases digestive health. It also stimulates gastric and digestive juices, so the absorption of nutrients is efficient.
- Anticancer potential. Lychee is a rich source of organic compounds, so it can be consumed as an effective preventative measure of various cancers.
- Controls blood pressure. Lychee has potassium, meaning that it can help your body maintain a fluid balance; it is also low in sodium, which helps too.
- Antiviral. Litchitannin A2, a compound found in lychee, has been closely connected to preventing the spread or outbreak of viruses, including simplex virus, herpes and coxsackievirus.
- Improves blood circulation. The copper content in lychee can boost blood circulation and increase oxygenation of the organs and cells.
- Anti-influenza. Phenolic compounds found in Lychee have been connected to some health benefits such as anti-influenza activity, reduction in weight, improvement in blood circulation and protection of the skin from harmful UV rays.
Side effects.
Over eating Lychee can result in bleeding nose, fever, irritated membranes or sore throat.
Since Lychees are a good source of sugars, diabetics should be careful when eating Lychees since it can unbalance their blood sugar levels.