Fruit Lychee
Fruit Lychee is native to Southeast Asia and China. The fruit grows- up in clusters of three to five and has smooth skin with thin flesh, but lychees are known to be rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
However, lychees are grown worldwide and are commonly eaten fresh, canned, dried, frozen, juiced, or turned into jams, jellies, pies, cakes, ice cream, and candies.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps maintain the immune system, however, aids in collagen production, and promotes healing. It is often used to treat colds and respiratory infections. Lychee Fruit is high in vitamin C and has been shown to increase the amount of vitamin C in humans consuming them.
2. Antioxidants
Free radicals can cause DNA mutations, and lead to cancer. Fresh Lychees contain high levels of antioxidants, however, including beta–carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and quercetin. These compounds are responsible for protecting, however, the body from damaging free radicals.
3. Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by human enzymes. It is found in foods like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables, and fiber is necessary for gut health and may reduce cholesterol levels, however, lychees are rich in dietary fiber and have been shown to improve bowel function and lower blood sugar.
Lychee Tree
The lychee tree grows between 10-40 m tall and bears white flowers followed by round dark green fruits. The fruit is about 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, but the skin is smooth and glossy while the flesh inside is yellowish orange, however, lychee has a sweet flavor and is often eaten fresh or dried.