12 Health Benefits of Lychee And Nutritional Value

1. Keeps the Body Hydrated

Lychees contain an excessive amount of water that helps to maintain proper hydration. A hydrated body functions well and promotes better skin. Basically, hydration is satisfied by drinking water, but we do not drink enough of it. That is why our body tries to extract hydration from the foods we eat.

Lychee provides minerals such as potassium, sodium, and chloride that balance the electrolytes in the body. If lychee contains 82% water, then watermelon has a 92% water content. Watermelon also provides sufficient hydration for the body and offers many other health advantages.

2. Fights Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is the result of disturbances in the development and storage of oxygen-reactive species in cells and tissues. The antioxidants present in lychee are excellent for health. It helps fight free radicals in the body, which, when found in excessive amounts, lead to atherosclerosis, heart disease, and even cancer.

The abundance of polysaccharides and polyphenols prevents the body from contracting severe conditions. The fruit is also capable of fighting inflammation and oxidative stress linked with diabetes, skin disorders, and obesity. Lychees are fantastic fruits that offer oxidative tolerance and enhance metabolic activity.

3. Relieves Kidney Stone Pain

Lychees are mostly consumed for their sweet and juicy taste, regardless of their benefits. Many studies believe that lychee leaf extracts contain certain elements that might be helpful in maintaining healthy kidney health.

The antioxidants present in lychee, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, have been shown to relieve the discomfort caused by kidney stones.

Moreover, lychee fruit acts as a natural diuretic. Diuretics alleviate urine production, which helps get rid of waste products and toxins from the body. This, in turn, supports kidney function by diminishing the burden on the kidney and removing excess waste.

4. Minimize the Risk of Cancer

Polyphenols and polysaccharides are the active components in lychee responsible for reducing the risk of cancer. Polysaccharides that reside in the pulp of lychee have the potential to stop the growth of cancer cells.

Studies have also shown that lychee skin has the potential to prevent liver, lung, and prostate cancer. A few other studies suggest that lychee extracts prevent breast cancer.

There are already enough studies to prove that lychee seed and its pericarp extracts contain anti-cancer elements. 

5. May Prevent Nocturnal Asthma

Nocturnal asthma is a condition that causes stiffness in the chest, coughing at night, and difficulty breathing. The condition makes it almost impossible for a person to fall asleep and creates a sense of heaviness.

Lychee, an excellent source of vitamins and minerals with their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps fight nocturnal asthma.

Lychee seed starch is easily available on the market and can be used in place of corn starch or potato starch. A person suffering from nocturnal asthma should swap processed and saturated-fat foods with food rich in high protein and low carbs, fiber-dense foods, and unsaturated-fat foods.

6. Help Restore Your Skin

It has become very difficult to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C present in lychee is beneficial for healthy skin. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that smooths skin texture and evens skin tone. Lychee is abundant in vitamin C, supplying 71.5 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of lychee.

Similarly, the extracts from lychee consist of low-molecular polyphenols such as oligonol, catechins, and flavonols. These elements act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful damage, including malignancies.

7. Protects Eyes From Cataracts

Cataracts is an eye disorder that causes cloudiness in the lens of the eyes. The area that helps focus on the light is interrupted by cataracts. This condition is quite common in old age.

The nutrients and antioxidants present in lychee contribute to the prevention of cataracts and promote healthy eye health.

The phytochemicals release antioxidants and antineoplastic properties, which stop the unwanted growth of cells and cataracts. Moreover, it is the vitamin C content of lychee that reduces the risk of developing eye disorders.

8. Favourable During Pregnancy

Pregnancy demands extra nutrition to support the growth and proper health of the fetus and the mother. Lychee naturally contains folate, iron, and vitamin C, which are vital for fetal development, usually during the initial stage of pregnancy. 1 cup of lychee provides 7% of the DV for folate.

Folate-rich foods help with healthy cell division and proper fetal growth to minimize birth defects. Iron helps with the production of red blood cells and supplies enough oxygen to the baby. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, which is important for the development of bones and tissue in the baby, and helps iron absorption in the body.

9. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is another common condition that develops over time. It causes inflammation in the joints, especially in the hands, elbows, and knees.

Lychees contain anti-inflammatory properties that probably decrease inflammation and the risk of it. The flavanol contained in lychees may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective impact of the flavanol-rich lychee fruit extract, which may be beneficial for treating inflammatory diseases.

10. Probably Prevents Hepatitis-B

Hepatitis B is an infection that attacks the liver and can lead to both acute and chronic conditions. Lychee fruit contains an abundance of polyphenolic compounds, and they are used in traditional medicines for strengthening hepatic and pancreatic functions.

Epicatechin, a type of micronutrient, and procyanidin A2, a dietary flavonoid present in LPE, were studied for liver cell regenerative activity. The result found that LPE protected the liver against acute CCI4 toxicity. Further, the polyphenols in lychee extracts decrease the severity of liver damage.

11. Offers Protection Against Herpes

The Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common virus found in most humans. It is listed under the category of physically transmitted diseases.

Rejuvenation of the HSV can cause fever, trauma, itchy sensations in the throat, mouth, and face, emotional stress, and extra exposure to UV rays. Although the condition is not as deadly, it might lead to serious problems, such as ocular disease.

A study conducted on the lychee flower extract against HSV-1 found decreased duplication of the virus and limited its spread. Strong immunity helps defend the virus well. 

12. Improves Blood Circulation

One of the great advantages of consuming lychee is improved blood circulation. The rich potassium available in lychee helps counteract sodium, balance blood pressure, and relieve the blood vessels.

This function of potassium creates an easy path for the blood to circulate freely. Further, adequate consumption of lychee is known to enhance good cholesterol levels in the body, causing less blockage.

The copper found in lychee also contributes to proper blood flow. Consuming lychee increases the production of red blood cells, thereby promoting proper blood circulation.

Nutritional Breakdown of 1 Cup (190g) Lychees

A handful of lychee per day will improve overall health conditions, energize mood and cognitive health, and improve skin conditions. Moreover, their polyphenols act as amazing antioxidants and antivirals. They are loaded with many health-promoting nutrients. Here is a breakdown of 1 cup, or 190 grams, of lychees, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Water: 155g
• Energy: 125 kcal
• Protein: 1.58g
• Fat: 0.836g
• Carbs: 31.4g
• Fiber: 2.47g
• Sugar: 28.9g
• Calcium: 9.5mg
• Iron: 0.589mg
• Magnesium: 19mg
• Phosphorus: 58.9mg
• Potassium: 325mg
• Sodium: 1.9mg
• Zinc: 0.1333mg
• Copper: 0.281mg
• Vitamin C: 136 mg
• Folate: 26.6mg

Diverse Ways to Enjoy Lychees

The small tropical fruit can be eaten in many different ways. They are luscious, fragrant, and filled with sweetness that has delighted palates for many years.

Not only are they remarkably delicious, but they are also incredibly nourishing. The above-mentioned benefits prove it right. Here are a few ways you can enjoy this juicy fruit:

• Lychee juice mixed with soda is a popular way to enjoy this fruit.
• Peel them and add them to your salad mix. It goes well with mangoes and grapefruit.
• Consume them raw. They make a mouth-watering snack that is ideal for work breaks and a sweet snack after dinner.
• Peel the skin, remove the seeds, and freeze them. The frozen pulp can be consumed as lychee sorbet, an impressive dessert idea to impress your guests.