Lychees are a wonderful fruit that are often overlooked or forgotten about.
Lychee fruit originates from the low altitude areas of Taiwan, China and SE Asia.
The fruit is in season during the summer months in these regions and can be identified by the reddish brown spiky shell, which when peeled back reveals a white flesh that is soft and squishy. In the centre there is a large brown stone or seed that should not be consumed.
Health benefits of Lychee
The name lychee means ‘gift for loyal life’, and many of the health benefits of this amazing fruit have been documented in books and journals in Asia over the years. They contain lots of essential nutrients that the body needs for healthy function, and we will now look at these.
Cancer fighting
Lychee fruit contains lots of flavonoid antioxidants that help the fight against free radicals in the body, and this in turn fights cancer cell growth, production and spread. In particular, lychee’s antioxidants are good for fighting against breast cancer.
Digestion aid
Lychees are good for the digestive system and they help to keep the balance of acids healthy in the stomach. Lychee is also said to help improve appetite, especially after illness. The lychee seed is often used to make into a formula to treat digestive system parasites and worms. The fibre contained in lychees helps to keep the digestive system flowing well.
Oligonol content
Oligonoal is a polyphenol that lychee fruit is rich in. This substance is anti-viral and has antioxidant effects, helps to maintain healthy weight, improve circulation, protects your skin from harmful UV rays and generally helps to promote healthier skin.
Fighting skin problems
Lychees are often referred to as the fruit of youth thanks to their ability to improve the condition of the skin. Clear, flexible and glowing skin is a sign of youth and this amazing fruit can protect against harmful UV rays, prevent acne, help with anti-ageing and more.
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