Lichi is a tropical fruit originally from China, India and the United States. It is collected from trees 10 to 30 meters high. Lichi is not the only name that this berry receives. Other popular names of this exotic berry are Lithchi, Lishi, Dragon Eye and Chinese plum. The Lichi pays from May to June. The clusters of berries do not mature evenly, so most of the fruits do not mature in time to be collected.
In a single branch there are between 5 and 10 berries of bright colors. The berry tree has a long history that dates back to the second century B. C. The first mentions of the fruit cultivation come from China, where the colorful berries were celebrated as the favorite fruit of the emperors. Today, Chinese plum is grown in many countries with a warm climate.
Data: In India, the Lichi berry is considered an aphrodisiac powerful.
Description and flavor
This exotic litchi grows in clusters. They are recognized not only for their bright color, but also for a different and pleasant smell. On the bottom of a perennial leaf tree, red fruits attract attention, so this exotic berry attracts all eyes.
How does it look like?
Lithchi has a rounded shape and striated skin. Chinese plum is recognized by the bright red color of its cortex. The fruit size can reach 2 to 4 centimeters. The pulp is white and has an appetizing appearance. The weight of a single ripe fruit ranges between 20 and 25 grams.
Chinese plum has an incomparable sweet taste. It can be compared to the taste of a berries composed of grapes, strawberries and currants. A special quality of this exotic product is its succulence.
Attention. Ligi seeds should not be consumed.
Composition
Lichi is low in calories and dietary. This exotic berry contains a large number of essential vitamins for the human body. The fruit pulp contains sufficient low sugar, so the Chinese plum can be consumed by people who adhere to the diet diet.
Important: The amount of sugar in the berry varies from 6 to 15 percent, depending on the type of berry.
What vitamins it contains
Vitamins and trace elements such as:
- K – 0. 4 µg.
- B1 – 0. 010 mg.
- B3 – 0. 7 mg.
- B6 – 0. 1 mg.
- E – 0. 07 mg.
- C – 71. 5 mg.
- Potassium – 170 mg.
- Manganese – 0. 055 mg.
- Selenium – 0. 6 mg.
- Zinc – 0. 07 mg.
- Sodium – 1 mg.
- Iron – 0. 31 mg.
- Calcium – 5 mg.
- Phosphorus – 31 mg.
- Magnesium – 10 mg.
The high vitamin content of this berry allows you to occupy a leadership position in many European markets and businesses. Scientific studies have shown that the properties of the berry of the Lichi and its effects on the human body help prevent the development of various diseases.
Calories
Lichi berry contains substances that do not affect the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. There are 66 kcal for 100 grams of product, which are composed of:
- Disaccharides (15 to 16 g.).
- Carbohydrates (16 to 17 g.).
- Proteins (0. 80- 1 g.)
- Fats (0. 45- 0. 60 g.).
- Water (80-90 g.).
- Fiber (1. 5 to 2 g).
The special properties of the fruit, help instantly satisfy hunger and thirst, without increasing body weight.
Lichi properties for the organism
The properties of a fruit as exotic as Lichi are known since ancient times. Rich in vitamins, it is said that it has a beneficial effect for the body by providing vitamins.
Oriental doctors use as analogos of medicinal preparations not only the pulp of the berry, but also the cortex of the Lichi. It is used to make infusions and decoctions that people who want to strengthen the immune system and get rid of various diseases.
Useful properties
Chinese plum contains a lot of water, so one of the positive properties of this product is a tonic effect. The product is also able to regulate the balance of water in the body and calm the thirst. The berries are recommended for people suffering from:
- Gastritis.
- Peptic ulcers.
- Heartburn.
- Liver diseases
- Diseases of the digestive system.
- Cancer.
The tender meat of Chinese plum, helps accelerate the process of getting rid of diseases and strengthening the immune system.
For bones and muscles
Calcium and potassium present in this exotic fruit help strengthen bones and muscles. Its supplementation helps to give elasticity to the muscles, increase bone mass and prevent serious injuries during sports activities. Doctors strongly recommend their consumption to the elderly and professional athletes.
For the heart and blood vessels
The ligustro berry contains a large amount of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. A person who consumes berries for some time strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves the blood circulation process.
Chinese medicine doctors believe that Lichi consumption leads to blood cholesterol reduction.
For the brain and nerves
Vitamin B and the magnesium of berries relieve insomnia, depression and nervousness. After eating the berries, improves the emotional state of the person and fatigue disappears. Ligi actively influences brain activity, which improves memory.
Important: Doctors recommend consuming Light berries to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
For eyes
The vitamin C contained in the berries, actively fights the development of cataracts and also prevents the development of other eye diseases. Simply consume 100 grams of this exotic product per day to achieve the desired effect and prevent the appearance of diseases.
For the bronchi
The majority of Western doctors claim that the Chinese plum berrya should be consumed for lung diseases and the development of inflammatory processes in them. The berries, when consumed, help:
- Eliminate the mucus of the lungs when coughing it.
- Eliminate inflammation in the lungs and bronchi.
- Eliminate germs and bacteria.
Chinese plums help recover from serious diseases.
For the gastrointestinal tract.
Chinese berry contains a large amount of fiber, which has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating body toxins and accelerating metabolic processes. Doctors allow consuming this dietary berry even to people suffering from inflammatory stomach diseases. Lichi is also an effective remedy against constipation.
Important: Lichi is an excellent snack for people who take care of their figure. The berries will satisfy hunger and prevent the body from winning calories.
For the kidneys
The substances contained in the berries act as diuretics. The large amount of water contained in the berries actively helps eliminate kidney stones and dissolve them. In addition, berries help eliminate inflammation from urinary tract.
For the skin
In cosmetology, the Ligi fruit has proven to be only the best. Chinese plum is used in various cosmetic applications:
- Pepitas of the berries are used to make essential oil.
- Pulp and cortex are used in creams, lotions, sera and exfoliants.
- Whole berries are used in shampoos and capillary balms.
Lichi improves the status of the skin saturating it from vitamins and microelements, rejuvenating it and making it healthy. One of the miraculous properties of the Lichi is that heals scars, wounds and eliminates age stains.
Capillary products containing Chinese plum prevent baldness, remove dandruff and leave soft and silky hair.
For immunity
The abundance of vitamins contained in this berry helps to reinforce the immune system by acting as a barrier against viruses and bacteria. Ligi actively combats the appearance of malignant tumors in the body.
The iodine, which is part of the exotic product normalizes the thyroid gland, and regulates the production of hormones. According to statistics, a person who eats berries is less prone to colds and viral diseases.
A data. A Lichi berry contains more vitamin C than oranges.
Only mature Lichi berries should be eaten, since little mature contain large amounts of a substance that reduces blood glucose levels. This is what causes fatal poisoning. In addition, if the product is abused, the person can suffer cramps, pain throughout the body and nasal hemorrhages.
Contraindications
Although it is healthy, the Lichi berry has contraindications, so it is strictly prohibited:
- Personal intolerance to the product.
- Pregnant and infant children and women should avoid the consumption of this exotic berry.
- Diabetic people.
Attention. Lychi berries abuse causes side effects: allergic reactions, sugar down, coma.
Peculiarities of the choice of a good fruit
A mature lithchi has a uniform color. The color of a ripe berry must be intense red without spots. The change of color to a darker tone indicates that lithchi is too mature and is no longer suitable for consumption. The skin of lithchi should not be too soft or present spots.
If nuts are purchased, you have to make sure the skin is firm and dry.
Data: In most countries, berries are sold with the branches, since they spoil quickly after collection.
The correct way of eating Lichi
To eat an exotic fruit you have to peel it and remove the bone. It is not too difficult to separate the pulp shell. Lychis usually eat fresh. The jams, syrups, jellies and various desserts made with this exotic product are also popular.
Note: This exotic berry should not be eaten with an empty stomach. Lichis should only be eaten after a main meal.
Can litchi be grown at home?
The Lichi is a little demanding plant that anyone can grow in the sinflow of their window. However, certain rules must be followed when taking care of this exotic tree.
Data: In China it is very popular to make Lichi wine from the berries.
To cultivate the tree, the Chinese plot seed is placed on the ground prepared in a pot, waters generously and the pot with plastic film is covered. After 3 weeks, a pot of the pot will leave. At that time, the filter film is removed.
The offspring must be watered every day, and the temperature of the air where the tree grows should not drop from 19 degrees. Once a month, feed the tree with various fertilizers.
A data. Rarely a tree cultivated at home blooms and bear fruit.
How to keep them
Fresh berries can be kept 3 days at room temperature. Fresh Lichis cannot be kept more than 7 days in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that at very low temperatures, berries lose their health and taste, in addition to becoming inappropriate for consumption.
IMPORTANT: It does not consume the fruit stored for a longer time.
Lichi is a wonderful exotic fruit with many health benefits. But despite this, you have to be very careful with this tropical berry. To avoid side effects that could lead to serious consequences, before introducing the Lichi in your diet you should consult your doctor.
