Contents
The beneficial properties of longan fruits deserve detailed study. Tropical fruits have a pleasant taste, but their value also lies in their many beneficial properties. Contains vitamins and minerals.
What is longan fruit and what does it look like?
Longan, also called longan plum or Lam Yai, is a fruit that grows on a tree called longan from the Sapindaceae family. In its natural form, longan grows in southern China, and the fruit tree is cultivated in South Africa, South Asia, Australia, the southern regions of the United States, 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, the leaves are paired 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, up to 3,5 cm in diameter, round fruits covered with a thin, rough yellow-brown peel. Under it lies a juicy translucent pulp with a light delicate aroma, and in the center of the fruit there is a rounded dark and shiny bone.
What does longan taste like
Describing the taste of a tropical fruit is quite difficult. Gourmets say that most of all it resembles sweet grapes or melons, but with a slight musky note. In any case, the taste of the fruit is sweet and very pleasant, dessert.
To taste, the fruits resemble both grapes and melons.
How to eat longan
Eating longan is quite simple, it does not require long cleaning. It is enough to cut a thin peel with a knife or tear with your fingers and effortlessly peel it off the pulp. Also, you can simply press lightly on a ripe fruit, then the peel will break through by itself.
The pulp of the fruit is easily separated from the stone, 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 and without any additives.
Is it possible to eat longan bones
It is impossible to eat raw fruit seeds, they contain toxic compounds. At the same time, dried and powdered seeds are used in folk medicine, they have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
The bones have medicinal properties, but they cannot be eaten raw.
The value and composition of longan
Most of all, longan contains carbohydrates, in the total volume of the fruit they occupy about 14 g. The fruit contains much less proteins and fats, they occupy 1,3 and 0,1 g, respectively.
There is a lot of water in the fruit, about 83 g, and longan also has 1,1 g of dietary fiber.
Vitamin content
The main value of fruits lies in their 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 norm;
- vitamin PP – about 1,5%.
The tropical fruit is also rich in minerals. Worthy of special mention:
- copper – up to 17% of the daily value;
- potassium – about 11%;
- sodium and magnesium – 2,5% of the daily norm;
- manganese – 2,6% of the daily value.
Iron and zinc are present in the fruits, their share is quite small, but 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.
Longan calories
The nutritional value of an exotic fruit is average. 100 g of pulp contains 60 kcal, if you do not abuse the fruit, then it will be impossible to get better on it.
What is useful 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 useful in that the fruit prevents the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms of menopause. During menopause, the fruits help to cope with hot flashes, have a beneficial effect on hormonal levels and prevent inflammation. In addition, the minerals in the composition of the fruit do not allow the development of osteoporosis.
Women can consume fruits with painful periods. The fruit reduces discomfort, restores strength and improves mood. Its beneficial properties are well reflected in the appearance, the skin becomes softer, the appearance of the first wrinkles slows down.
During pregnancy, women can consume fruits, but after consulting a doctor. A fruit with a low calorie content will help overcome nausea and swelling, and eliminate constipation. The main thing is to observe the measure 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 childbirth. Tropical fruits can cause allergies in a 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. The use of 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 composition of the fruit protect the male cardiovascular system from ailments. 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
Useful properties of fruits 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 the anti-inflammatory properties, longan can serve as a prevention of childhood colds.
Fruit should not be given to babies – it can cause allergies.
But a child can bear fruit only after reaching 3 years 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’s eye” has numerous valuable properties. In a number of conditions and diseases, it is especially useful for the human body.
When losing weight
The tropical product has a low calorie content, 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, it is necessary to drink plenty of water, the diuretic properties of the product can lead to dehydration.
On a diet, the product helps to lose weight faster and pleases with a dessert taste.
To strengthen bones
Bones can become more fragile due to the lack of important elements. The problem is especially relevant for the elderly and for women during menopause. Longan contains a large amount of copper, and this mineral strengthens bone tissue and prevents the development of osteoporosis. You can use the fruits both for the prevention of diseases of the joints, and as part of a complex treatment.
With anemia
Eating an 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. There is a longan to combat anemia, it 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 the pulp of longan is useful for strengthening the immune system. You can eat fruit to protect against SARS, influenza, as well as scurvy and beriberi, which develop with a lack of ascorbic acid. Vitamin substances in the composition of the fruit activate the internal capabilities of the body, 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 the 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 disease is less likely to develop, and the likelihood of brain disorders is also reduced.
For nervous disorders
The vitamins and mineral compounds in longan pulp have a slight sedative effect and are uplifting. Useful properties of fruits can help with depressive conditions and anxiety disorders, with sleep disorders. The fruit has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps to cope with severe stress.
Prevention of cancer patients
Longan antioxidants stimulate the body to fight free radicals and prevent the reproduction of malignant cells. When eating fruit, the risk of developing oncological tumors is reduced, the immune system begins to better cope 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, then the likelihood of cataracts and other ophthalmic diseases will decrease. The beneficial properties of longan will help to cope with eye fatigue during hard work at the computer, the fruit will prevent dryness and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Vitamins B in fruits protect eyesight 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 useful properties.
In folk medicine
In home medicine in Our Country, longan is just beginning to gain popularity, but in eastern countries its beneficial properties are highly respected. In China, Vietnam and Thailand, fruits are used to treat:
- circulatory disorders, powder from dry fruit seeds is of particular benefit;
- digestive disorders – decoctions of fresh or dried pulp help to cope with constipation and abdominal pain;
- skin inflammations and insect bites, pulp, leaves or crushed fruit seeds are applied to the affected areas.
Longan leaves and flowers are used to prepare decoctions and infusions with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Such drinks help with colds and fevers, and help strengthen the immune system. In oriental folk medicine, fresh longan is recommended for prevention and getting rid of worms.
Also, the fruit is valued as a restorative agent after serious illnesses. The beneficial properties of longan are well reflected in the state of the nervous system in case of emotional disorders, and help relieve stress. Fruits are recommended for use in case of violations in the genital area, since the fruit increases libido.
“Dragon’s eye” is popular in oriental folk medicine
In cosmetology
Longan extracts are included in many masks, hair balms and skin creams. Substances present in the pulp and pits of fruits help regulate fat and sweating, soften irritated skin on the face and at the hair roots, and have a tightening effect.
At home, longan pulp can be used as part of 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.
Selection and storage rules
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, it should not have cracks, because if the skin is damaged, the fruit deteriorates very quickly;
- skin color – fresh longan has a skin of a light beige or gray-yellow hue;
- lack of noticeable dents – a ripe longan should not be too hard, but if the fruits look “dented”, then most likely they have already begun to deteriorate.
The taste of ripe fruit should be sweet, if the fruits are sour, this means that they have not yet ripened.
When buying 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 the longan dry and make sure that it does not come into contact with other products or neighboring fruits.
Limitations and contraindications
Exotic fruits have certain contraindications. They are not recommended for use in:
- individual allergies;
- diarrhea – 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 use 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 using longan, it is only important to observe the measure so that the fruit does not lead to digestive disorders.
