Health Benefits of Lychee
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Oct 01, 2021 • 2 min Read
Lychee or litsiyas in Tagalog is delicious and full of healthy nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
In the Philippines, lychee is found predominantly in the cool highlands of the Cordilleras, specifically Benguet and Baguio and in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. It is typically eaten fresh and sometimes used in ice creams or processed into juice, wine, sherbet, and jelly.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of lychee, from Organic Facts:
1. May Aid in Digestion
The significant amount of dietary fiber in lychee may help add bulk to your stool and increase your digestive health that can reduce constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders. It may also help reduce abdominal obesity.
2. May Boost Immunity
The most significant nutrient in lychee is vitamin C for it has more than 100% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid in a single serving. This means that your immune system gets a major boost because vitamin C is a major antioxidant compound that stimulates the activity of white blood cells and the main defensive line of the immune system.
3. May Have an Anticancer Potential
Research shows that lychee fruit pericarp contains polyphenolic compounds that show antioxidant activity. These compounds show an impressive anticancer potential against human liver cancer cells. Lychee is a rich source of organic compounds that are effective anti-cancer measures.
A 2006 study shows that lychee fruit pericarp extract can induce apoptosis as well as inhibit cell proliferation of breast cancer cells. Research revealed that lychee seed extracts can be an alternative therapy for prostate cancer treatment and suggests that it has some therapeutic effects that may help in colon cancer treatment.
4. May Improve Cognition
A study highlights the neuroprotective effect of lychee seeds for it demonstrates significant improvement in cognitive function and prevention of neuronal injury in the rat model affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Potentially Antiviral
Lychee has antiviral capabilities. A compound found in lychee has been closely connected in preventing the spread or outbreak of viruses, including herpes simplex virus and coxsackievirus.
6. May Help Control Blood Pressure
Lychee’s potassium content helps maintain the body fluid balance. Fluid balance is an integral part of metabolic functions and contains hypertension. Potassium is considered to be a vasodilator for it reduces the constriction of blood vessels and arteries, thereby lowering the stress on the cardiovascular system.
7. Possibly Anti-Influenza
The powerful phenolic compound found in lychee yields anti-influenza benefits, improves blood circulation, helps in weight reduction, and skin protection from harmful UV rays.
8. May Improve Blood Circulation
Copper is another essential mineral found in considerable quantities in lychee and an integral part of RBC formation. The copper content in lychee can boost blood circulation and may increase the oxygenation of the organs and cells.
Start adding this juicy fruit to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
