Top 8 Benefits of Litchi (Lychee)

For holistic development, eating a balanced diet inclusive of vegetables, legumes, protein, and fruits is necessary. Each food ingredient offers a unique health advantage, and one such seasonal produce that is good for health is litchi.

Tropical fruits like litchi are a great addition to any diet because of their many health advantages. They have a delicious taste, a colourful look, and also a delicious taste that might tempt your buds.

This fruit has been used in the Chinese culture for medicinal purposes because of its nutritional profile ^[1]. There are several ways litchi can be used and consumed for health purposes.

In this article, let’s learn everything about this beautiful fruit – from its health benefits to its uses and potential side effects.

What is Litchi?

Litchi is a tropical seasonal fruit produced worldwide in different countries, including India. It has an oblong shape with bright red outer skin.  

This fruit is quite famous for its sweet taste and juicy pulp. The pulp is white-coloured, edible, and loaded with several nutrients.

Besides being consumed as a fruit, it can also be used as dried fruit and also for making juices. This fruit has also been used in cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies ^[2].

Read further to explore the things about Litchi you might not know!

Nutritional Profile of Litchi

This fruit is mainly made of carbohydrates and water. Some other nutrients present in this fruit per 100-gram serving are as follows ^[3]:

Health Benefits of Litchi

This fruit contains nutrients and healthy antioxidants that may be considered significant for overall health. Let’s look at some benefits below:

#1. Good for Digestion

Litchi contains dietary fibre that may play a significant role in improving digestive health. This fibre may help regulate bowel movement and thus prevent constipation.

Its fibre may act as a laxative, adding bulk to your stool and ensuring its smooth passage ^[4].

To learn more about your digestive health, take a quick two-minute digestive quotient test by Aashirvaad.

#2. Good for Skin Health

Lychee may soothe your skin, improving its texture and radiance. Please refer to the table below to know what all amazing things it has that can benefit your skin.

So, I hope you are eager to know about how you can use this fruit for your skin. Here is a simple DIY face pack for you!

• Mash 3-4 peeled litchis with 1/4th banana to make a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste as a face pack, keep it for 15 minutes, and rinse it with cold water.

Simple, isn’t it?

#3. Good for Weight Management Goals

Litchi is good because of:

• Low calorie
• High fibre, and
• High water content

It also non-saturated fats that may help control appetite and thus helping you with your weight management journey ^[7].

It is also a good water source that may help you keep hydrated and feel full. This may help control overeating.

You can always check you daily fibre intake on My Meal Plan by Aashirvaad.

#4. Good for Heart Health

Wondering if this small fruit can support your heart health? Yes, it can.

• Litchi is an excellent potassium source and an essential component for heart health. It also has oligonol, which may also help enhance cardio performance.

Both these nutrients may help control your heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, it may protect you from heart problems like stroke ^[8].

#5. Good for Metabolism

This fruit contains vitamin B complex and fibre that may help increase the body’s metabolism. People with an insulin resistance problem may also want to include this fruit in their diet.

It is because this fruit is rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that may help in boosting poor metabolism ^[9].

#6. Good for Immunity

Including this fruit in your diet may help boost immunity as it contains vitamin C. This vitamin may help flush out stool, sweat, and urine, thus helping the body replenish through dietary fibres.

Vitamin C is also an excellent antioxidant that might support overall immune functions ^[10].

#7. Good for Hair

When hair fall is perplexing almost everybody, knowing about this benefit will surely sway you!

• This fruit may help control hair fall issues because of its nutrients and vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, and C.

It may even help in hair growth and voluminous hair, preventing damage from weather and chemicals.   

This fruit may also act as a natural conditioner and may help nourish hair and make it soft ^[11].

• You can simply mix 7-8 ripe litchis with 2 tbsp. of fresh aloe vera juice (you can purchase the juice from market as well). Peel litchis off, mix with aloevera, and ensure a smooth consistency. You mask is ready!

#8. Good for Blood Circulation

• This fruit also contains copper, which may help boost your blood circulation.

The copper intake may also help form RBC or red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen to the various parts of the body, and more RBCs may help flow oxygen faster, thus improving blood circulation ^[12].

Side Effects of Litchi

Although this fruit is very safe to consume, you must know its potential side effects.

• You may want to refrain from eating the unripe fruit (usually small and green) on an empty stomach. The unripe fruit contains hypoglycin A and methylenecyclopropyl-glycine, a toxin that may cause vomiting. It may even cause severe fever and seizure problems in malnourished people ^[13].

• People with diabetes may also want to limit their litchi consumption in moderation. Since these are high in sugar, it may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels [source]. You can always refer to Aashirvaad’s expert dieticians to understand how much litchis to include in your diet if you have diabetes.

• If you are pregnant, please consult your gynecologist before consuming litchis to stay safe and healthy!

• Also, people allergic to grass, birch, mugwort, and pollen food may want to avoid this fruit. It may result in itching and a burning sensation in the mouth.

How to Store Litchi?

When choosing this fruit, look for the outer skin, which is red or pinkish. Once purchased, keep them in plastic bags or sealed containers in the refrigerator.

If you keep it unrefrigerated or uncovered, the skin will turn brown, although you can still eat it.

Please don’t eat if you feel any change in fragrance.

Recipes

Litchi Juice Recipe

Ingredients:

• Litchis – 12-15
• Water – 3.5 cups at room temperature
• Lemon – 1
• Sugar – 2-3 tablespoons
• Mint leaves – to garnish
• Lemon slices – to garnish
• Ice cubes – as needed

Method:

• Peel the fruit’s skin and discard the seeds.
• Put the litchi fruit pulp in the blender to make a smooth puree without water.
• Now, mix this puree with water and sugar. Also, add half a lemon juice.
• Mix until the sugar dissolves.
• Pour the juice and, if needed, add ice cubes.
• Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
• Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

In summary, litchis are a fruit from the tropics that tastes great, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse that may make a big difference in your general health and well-being. 

Add litchis to your diet for various health advantages, including immune system support, heart health promotion, and improved digestion.

You may consume them fresh, dry, or in various culinary creations. Thus, the next time you search for a tasty and nourishing snack, grab some litchis and enjoy their delightful flavour and health benefits. 

Check out the benefits of litchis and start living a better lifestyle right now!

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