Summer is the season of scorching heat which drains your energy. On the other hand, there are vibrant fruits available in the season that give us a good reason to love summer and lychees are one of them too. Lychee or litchi is a soft, whitish-pink-colored pulpy fruit, that is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions and is available for a very short period of time during the summer season. From boosting the immune system to supporting blood circulation, this juicy and delicious fruit has several health benefits.
Dietician Avni says, lychee has a rich dose of Vitamin C which helps restore immunity, and keeps the skin healthy. It is also high in Vitamin D. Because of it’s high water content, it also keeps you hydrated during the summer days.
Here are some health benefits of lychee shared by India’s top dietician Avni Kaul.
Improves immunity
High in vitamin C, lychee also has more than 100% of the daily needs of ascorbic acid (ABA) in one serving which works quite well for boosting immunity. Vitamin C stimulates the function of white blood cells that protect the body against external damage.
Helps digestion
They are filled with dietary fibers. These fibres normalize the bowel movement by ensuring it’s a smooth passage through the digestive tract. It also lends bulk to the stool that works wonders for constipation and other stomach issues. It stimulates gastric and digestive juices enhancing efficient nutrient absorption.
Boosts blood circulation
The high amount of copper in lychee helps in improving blood circulation in your body. Like iron, copper is also needed for the formation of red blood cells (RBC). More RBCs mean better blood circulation and enhanced oxygenation of the organs and cells.
Antiviral tendencies
The proanthocyanidins available in lychee are known to provide strong antiviral capabilities. Lycheetannin A2, a compound of lychee, might help in stopping the spread of viruses.
Lychee is helpful in reducing high blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance. It is high in potassium and low in sodium which supports regulating your blood pressure. Potassium decreases the constriction of arteries and blood vessels, thereby reducing the stress on our cardiovascular system.
Lychee is a good source of dietary fiber which plays an important role in weight loss. Lychee has high water content and a nearly negligible fat content which further makes it a suitable fruit for weight loss. It is low on calories also.
Lychee can help counter signs of ageing and blemishes. The main cause of aging is the production of free radicals caused due to the high oxidative stress. The Vitamin C inside lychees act as an antioxidant, countering these free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory agent
Being high in flavanol, lychee extracts are well-known to treat inflammation and tissue damage caused due to inflammation.
For stronger bones
Lychee is high in essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and manganese. These minerals are known to improve calcium absorption in the bones, thus, making them strong and healthy.
This fruit has several health benefits but it is also high in sugar content. Diabetics need to avoid this or they should consult with their dietician before eating it. Also, eating them in moderation is the key.
Avni Kaul is Founder of Nutriactivania with Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from University of Delhi and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and International Diabetes Federation. She is a Leicester Mammas Ambassador trained in Lactation Counselling with NHS United Kingdom. Mammas support pregnant and new mothers and their families. Specializations of Avni Kaul Include Infant and Young Child Feeding Practises, Pre and Post natal diets, Fat loss, Muscle Gain and Holistic Health and Nutrition