Useful properties of litchi - exotic fruit from the tropics

Most people, hearing the word "lychee" will not think that it denotes a delicious fruit, although this fruit is known in Europe since the XVIII century. They import it from tropical countries. Litchi initially grew in China, from where it spread to other countries of Southeast Asia. This fruit is also called Chinese plum or Chinese grapes. Useful properties of litchi helped this fruit to become very popular. This amazingly beautiful fruit can be purchased in the markets from July to October, and in winter only in canned form.

Description of lychee

These small fruits are oval or round in shape, not more than 4 cm in size. The fruit has a rather dense red skin with a lot of pimples, so it looks a bit like a children's rubber ball. The rind is easily separated from the pulp, which is very tasty and aromatic. The inside of the fruit resembles grapes and has the same gelatinous consistency.

The color of the pulp is white or with a cream tint. Inside it is a dark large bone. In China, the fruit is called the "eye of the dragon" - it looks like a cut fruit. Lychee is appreciated for a refreshing sweet and sour taste and a delicate aroma that resembles the smell of a tea rose. But apart from the unusual taste qualities, it has many useful properties. Therefore, not only as a treat, but also as a dietary food used lychee.

Properties of fruits

Flesh is rich in vitamins and minerals. Especially a lot in the fruits of vitamin C, nicotinic acid and magnesium and potassium salts. They also contain proteins, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. In the lychee pulp, there is a lot of structured water, calcium, sulfur, iron, iodine and zinc. This fruit belongs to low-calorie, so it is useful for obesity. It has a low glycemic index and a low sugar content.

Benefits of lychee

1. Fruit is a strong aphrodisiac, so in the East it is also called the fruit of love.
2. Its use reduces the level of cholesterol and improves the cardiovascular system. The beneficial properties of lychee are also manifested in the fact that it possesses a vasodilating action and maintains the elasticity of the walls of the vessels, therefore it is well used as a prophylaxis for atherosclerosis and stroke.
3. The tender flesh of the fruit refreshes well, quenches thirst, has a toning effect.
4. Eating fruits improves metabolism and normalizes digestion. They are low-calorie, so they contribute to weight loss.
5. Useful properties of lychee make it indispensable for diabetics, lowering the level of sugar in the blood.
6. Fruits are useful in gastritis and ulcers, liver and pancreas diseases, with constipation.
7. The presence of protein and minerals makes it an excellent remedy for anemia and exhaustion. It easily quenches the hunger and saturates the body with energy.
8. In oriental medicine, the beneficial properties of lychee are used in the treatment of kidney diseases. Broth peel well removes excess water from the tissues.
9. Fruit is useful for bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung diseases.
10. In China, even treat cancer, eating lychees with lemongrass.

Lychee: benefit and harm

Despite such a multitude of beneficial properties, lychee can harm the body, especially the baby. In some people this fruit causes severe allergic reactions. When you use it in large quantities, begins flatulence. In addition, lychee is incompatible with protein foods and starches, since it can cause intestinal distress and diarrhea.

How to choose lychee fruits

It is best to taste the taste and aroma of fruits in fresh form. But they retain their properties in a dried, frozen or canned. In the East, refreshing lychee drinks are popular. In our markets, these fruits are usually sold from July to October. They are stored for a long time and are easily transportable, but you need to be able to choose them correctly so that you do not buy overgrown or rotten fruits.

1. Be sure to shake each fruit. You should hear an easy tapping - this is evidence of the ripeness and freshness of the litchi.
2. Fresh fruit produces a slight delicate aroma of a tea rose. He should be pleasant and not strong.
3. Fresh fruits should have a red, not too dark and not too soft skin, on which there should be no damage and white mold spots.

How to eat this fruit

Lychee is more delicious and more useful in fresh form. It is peeled and placed on a plate. You can consume these delicious fruits in canned or processed form. From them we get a delicious ice cream, tender jam, marmalade and jam. Flesh is also made with stuffing for sweet pies, drinks or syrup. And in China they make lime flavored wine. Flesh can be added to tea, sauces and alcoholic cocktails. Perfectly combines with meat and fish dishes, it is added to light salads and roasts. This fruit can be dried and frozen.

Interesting facts about litchi

• Although these fruits are very common in Asia, but only a small part of the ripening material is ripe.
• In ancient times, only the rich could eat this fruit, this was forbidden to the peasants.
• Every year in Thailand, a traditional festival is held - the Litchi Festival.
• This fruit has one drawback: it is preferable to use it immediately after harvesting. Torn from the tree fruit quickly lose their taste.

In eastern medicine, the lyche-fruit is very actively used, the useful properties of which have been well known since ancient times.