Content
The beneficial properties of longan fruit deserve detailed study. Tropical fruits have a pleasant taste, but their value also lies in their numerous beneficial properties. The composition contains vitamins and minerals.
What kind of longan fruit is this and what does it look like?
Longan, also called longan plum or Lam Yai, is a fruit that grows on a tree called longan in the Sapindaceae family. Longan grows naturally in southern China, and the fruit tree is cultivated in South Africa, South Asia, Australia, the southern regions of the USA, Israel and Kenya.
Exotic longan grows in China and other tropical countries
The evergreen longan tree reaches 20 m in height.Its crown is round in shape, its leaves are pinnate, up to 30 cm in length, arranged alternately. The tree blooms with small yellow-brown flowers, collected in large panicles up to 45 cm in length.
The fruits of the tree are small, round fruits up to 3.5 cm in diameter, covered with a thin, rough, yellow-brown skin. Beneath it lies juicy translucent pulp with a light, delicate aroma, and in the center of the fruit there is a round, dark and shiny bone.
What does longan taste like?
It is quite difficult to describe the taste qualities of a tropical fruit. Gourmets say that it most closely resembles sweet grapes or melon, but with a slight musky note. In any case, the taste of the fruit is sweet and very pleasant, like dessert.
The taste of the fruits resembles both grapes and melon
How to eat longan
Eating longan is quite simple and does not require much cleaning. It is enough to cut the thin peel with a knife or tear it with your fingers and effortlessly peel it off the pulp. You can also simply press lightly on a ripe fruit, then the peel will break through on its own.
The pulp of the fruit is easily separated from the seed, so it is not necessary to cut the longan; you can eat it whole and simply spit out the seed. Some people sprinkle the pulp with sugar or cinnamon to improve the taste, but the fruits are very tasty without any additives.
Is it possible to eat longan seeds?
Fruit seeds should not be consumed raw; they contain toxic compounds. At the same time, dried and ground seeds are used in folk medicine; they have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
The seeds have medicinal properties, but they should not be eaten raw.
Value and composition of longan
Longan contains the most carbohydrates; they occupy about 14 g in the total volume of the fruit. The fruit contains much less protein and fat, they occupy 1.3 and 0.1 g, respectively.
The fruit contains a lot of water, about 83 g, and longan also contains 1.1 g of dietary fiber.
Vitamin content
The main value of the fruit lies in its vitamin composition. The pulp contains:
- vitamin C - about 93% of the daily dosage of ascorbic acid;
- vitamins B1 and B2 - 2.1 and 7.8%, respectively, of the daily value;
- vitamin PP - about 1.5%.
The tropical fruit is also rich in mineral compounds. Worthy of special mention:
- copper - up to 17% of the daily value;
- potassium - about 11%;
- sodium and magnesium - 2.5% of the daily value;
- manganese - 2.6% daily value.
The fruits contain iron and zinc, their proportion is very small, but the minerals still have a beneficial effect.
In addition, longan contains essential and non-essential amino acids, ash, polysaccharides, phenols and flavonoids.
The fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, potassium and copper
Calorie content of longan
The nutritional value of this exotic fruit is average. 100 g of pulp contains 60 kcal; if you do not abuse the fruit, it will be impossible to gain weight on it.
What are the benefits of longan?
The beneficial properties of longan make the fruit equally valuable for women and men. Regular consumption of fruits can improve overall well-being and also prevent the development of certain diseases.
For women
For the female body, the properties of longan are beneficial because the fruit prevents the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms of menopause.During menopause, fruits help cope with hot flashes, have a beneficial effect on hormonal levels and prevent inflammation. In addition, the minerals in the fruit prevent the development of osteoporosis.
Women can consume the fruits during painful periods. The fruit reduces discomfort, restores strength and improves mood. Its beneficial properties are well reflected in its appearance, the skin becomes softer, and the appearance of the first wrinkles slows down.
During pregnancy, women can consume the fruits, but after consulting a doctor. A fruit with low calorie content will help overcome nausea and swelling, and eliminate constipation. The main thing is to observe moderation and not eat more than 100 g of fruit per day.
The fruit is useful for pregnant women, but in moderation
When breastfeeding, it is better to introduce longan into the menu 3 months after birth. Tropical fruits can cause allergies in the baby; you need to wait until the child’s body gets a little stronger.
For men
Longan fruit contains zinc, therefore it is considered a mild natural aphrodisiac. Eating the fruit has a beneficial effect on potency; the beneficial properties of the fruit contribute to the production of testosterone.
Potassium and magnesium in the fruit protect the male cardiovascular system from illnesses. This reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks at a young age. Large amounts of vitamin C prevent the development of inflammation and prevent negative processes in the genitourinary system.
For children
The beneficial properties of the fruit may be in demand for children. The fruit has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, prevents constipation and also stimulates mental activity.Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, longan can serve as a prevention of childhood colds.
Fruit should not be given to babies - it can cause allergies.
But you can give fruits to a child only after reaching 3 years of age and at first in very small quantities. A tropical product can lead to allergies; you need to make sure that the child does not have a negative reaction.
Useful properties of longan
"Dragon Eye" has numerous valuable properties. For a number of conditions and diseases, it is especially useful for the human body.
When losing weight
The tropical product is low in calories, but contains a lot of potassium and dietary fiber. Therefore, on a diet, fruits help cleanse the body, they quickly remove toxins from the intestines and help get rid of excess fluids.
When losing weight, fruit can be added to the diet as a dessert or as part of smoothies, purees and juices. In this case, you need to drink plenty of water; the diuretic properties of the product can lead to dehydration.
On a diet, the product helps you lose weight faster and delights you with its dessert taste
To strengthen bones
Bones may become more fragile due to a lack of important elements. The problem is especially relevant for older people and women during menopause. Longan contains a large amount of copper, and this mineral strengthens bone tissue and prevents the development of osteoporosis. The fruits can be consumed both for the prevention of joint diseases and as part of complex treatment.
For anemia
Eating exotic fruit is useful for anemia and low hemoglobin. The pulp contains a lot of iron, and you can get it from both fresh and dried fruits. Eating longan to combat anemia is especially recommended for athletes, vegetarians and pregnant women, as well as women suffering from severe blood loss during menstruation.
For immunity
Vitamin C in longan pulp is useful for strengthening the immune system. You can eat the fruit to protect against acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, as well as scurvy and vitamin deficiency, which develop due to a lack of ascorbic acid. The vitamins contained in the fruit activate the body’s internal capabilities and help it fight inflammatory and bacterial processes.
Ascorbic acid in fruits protects not only from colds, but also from the development of scurvy
For the heart and blood vessels
Potassium and magnesium in fruit pulp have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The beneficial properties of longan improve blood composition, strengthen blood vessels and give them elasticity. Against this background, heart diseases develop less frequently, and the likelihood of brain disorders also decreases.
For nervous disorders
Vitamins and mineral compounds in longan pulp have a mild sedative effect and elevate mood. The beneficial properties of the fruits can help with depression and anxiety disorders, and with sleep disorders. The fruit has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps cope with severe stress.
Prevention of cancer
Longan antioxidants stimulate the body to fight free radicals and prevent the proliferation of malignant cells.When eating fruit, the risk of developing cancer tumors is reduced, and the immune system begins to cope better with internal negative processes.
For eye health
Longan contains riboflavin, which is essential for healthy vision. If you constantly maintain a high level of this substance in the body, the likelihood of cataracts and other ophthalmological diseases will decrease. The beneficial properties of longan will help cope with eye fatigue when working hard at the computer; the fruit will prevent dryness and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
B vitamins in fruits protect vision from diseases
Application of longan
Longan is not only eaten, but also used for treatment and personal care. The fruit has a good supporting effect, and not only the pulp, but also other parts of the product have beneficial properties.
In folk medicine
In home medicine in Russia, longan is just beginning to gain popularity, but in eastern countries its beneficial properties are highly respected. In China, Vietnam and Thailand, the fruit is used to treat:
- circulatory disorders, powder made from dry fruit seeds is especially beneficial;
- digestive disorders - decoctions of fresh or dried pulp help cope with constipation and abdominal pain;
- skin inflammations and insect bites, pulp, leaves or crushed fruit seeds are applied to the affected areas.
Decoctions and infusions with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are prepared from the leaves and flowers of longan. Such drinks help with colds and fevers, and help strengthen the immune system. In eastern folk medicine, consuming fresh longan is recommended for the prevention and removal of worms.
The fruit is also valued as a means of recovery after serious illnesses. The beneficial properties of longan have a good effect on the state of the nervous system during emotional disorders and help relieve tension. The fruits are recommended for use in cases of sexual dysfunction, as the fruit increases libido.
"Dragon's Eye" is popular in Eastern folk medicine
In cosmetology
Longan extracts are included in many masks, hair balms and skin creams. Substances present in the pulp and seeds of the fruit help regulate fat and sweat secretion, soften irritated skin on the face and at the roots of the hair, and have a tightening effect.
At home, longan pulp can be used in a variety of masks. The crushed fruit is mixed with dairy products and other fruits, vegetables and herbs. Longan enhances the rejuvenating, moisturizing and nourishing effect of homemade masks.
Rules for selection and storage
Longan can be found in the fruit displays of many large stores. When choosing fruits you need to pay attention to:
- the integrity of the peel, there should be no cracks on it, since if the skin is damaged, the fruit deteriorates very quickly;
- peel color - fresh longan has a light beige or gray-yellow skin;
- no noticeable dents - ripe longan should not be too hard, but if the fruits look “bruised”, then most likely they have already begun to deteriorate.
A ripe fruit should taste sweet; if the fruit is sour, it means that it is not yet ripe.
When purchasing a product, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the peel.
Ripe fruits do not last long, about 5 days indoors and up to 10 days in the refrigerator. It is necessary to keep longan dry and ensure that it does not come into contact with other products or neighboring fruits.
Restrictions and contraindications
Exotic fruits have certain contraindications. They are not recommended to be used if:
- individual allergies;
- diarrhea - the mild laxative properties of the fruit will only aggravate the disorder;
- acute digestive disorders - ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis.
The glycemic index of the fruit is low - only 45 units. However, diabetics should consume it with caution and in small quantities, since the sweet product can cause an increase in blood glucose levels.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties of longan fruits extend to the entire body; the fruits strengthen the immune system, protect eyesight, heart and blood vessels from diseases. When consuming longan, it is only important to observe the measure so that the fruit does not lead to digestive disorders.
