Longan Fruit – Health Benefits, Nutritional Value & Side Effects
Longan Fruit – Health Benefits, Nutritional Value & Side Effects
Dimocarpus Longan, often known as longan fruit, is an exotic white-fleshed fruit from the soapberry family.
It is recognized for its resemblance to the lychee fruit. It can be used to make puddings, sorbets, smoothies, salads, and jellies.
To eat it, all you have to do is peel away the outer shell. When you remove the shell from it, it looks like an eyeball and tastes like grapes.
The white flesh and black seed resemble a pupil. As a result, it’s also known as dragon eye fruit.
Longan seeds should not be consumed. As a result, remember to remove the seeds from the fruit before eating it.
Longan is a Southeast Asian fruit that is widely grown in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China. It’s possible to extract essential oils or extracts from them.
It’s also worth noting that the longan fruit is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine.
Longan is a tropical fruit that ripens in the summer. Its skin is smoother, firmer, and darker. As a result, you should peel it before eating it.
Longan Fruit Nutritional Value
The longan fruit provides the following nutrients in 100 grams:
- Calorie count: 60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15.14 g; Protein: 1.31 g; Fiber: 1.10 g; Fat: 0.10 g
- Minerals and vitamins
- 84 milligrams of vitamin C (140 percent DV)
- Potassium (mg): 266 mg (7.6 percent of DV)
- Phosphorus (mg): 21 (2.1 percent of DV)
- 17 milligrams of copper (8.5 percent of DV)
- Manganese (mg): 0.05 mg (2.6 percent of DV)
- 13 milligrams or 0.7 percent iron
Longan Fruit Health Benefits
The longan fruit contains a lot of nutrients that are good for you. It accomplishes this without adding any more calories to the diet.
As a result, they are considered superfoods. It has a number of health benefits.
- Enhances memory
Longan fruit is a natural no tropic. It means that the fruit extract improves memory and cognitive function.
Longan fruit tonic is used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve anxiety.
According to a study, eating longan fruit is healthy to the brain. It’s because longan affects the portion of the brain that aids memory processing. As a result, it lowers the chance of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improves the health of the skin
Longan fruits successfully reverse the effects of aging due to their high vitamin C content. Pigmentation, blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles are all reduced; this fruit aids in the production of collagen.
Furthermore, this fruit aids in the production of collagen. As a result, the production of new skin cells is aided. As a result, the skin remains healthy.
A study backs up the idea that longan’s vitamin C decreases skin oxidative damage. As a result, it is beneficial to skin health. It helps to prevent skin breaking and peeling, for example. It also aids in the preservation of a youthful glow by reducing skin dryness.
- Enhances the quality of sleep
Most people suffer from insomnia or sleeplessness in today’s fast-paced world. Because of its anxiolytic properties, longan may be the treatment you’re looking for.
The fruit extract has been shown to reduce tension and anxiety. It accomplishes this by lowering cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
As a result, it may be able to aid in the improvement of sleep length and quality.
It also contributes to sleep rate and duration, according to a study.
- Strengthens the immune system
The fruit of the longan has antimicrobial qualities. As a result, the immune system is better able to combat infections. It’s also high in vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant that helps to minimize the detrimental effects of free radicals.
It consumption has been shown in studies to boost the immune system’s defense mechanism by creating enough white blood cells.
Longan tea and herbal infusions also help to avoid respiratory problems, sore throats, the common cold, and fever.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
According to one study, anti-inflammatory effects can be found in all portions of the longan fruit.
They’re high in ellagic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and other antioxidants. As a result, inflammatory chemicals are released less frequently in the body.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the mesocarp of the longan pulp are sufficient.
Other benefit includes:
- Libido Booster
- Helps to keep anemia at bay.
- Aids in the prevention of chronic illnesses
- Booster of Energy
Side Effects of Longan Fruits ~ Drawbacks to Expect
- Sugar Levels Are High
Sugar content per 100g of longan is 65g. As a result, if you have diabetes, you should generally avoid eating longan fruit. Blood glucose levels rise quickly due to the high sugar content and poor fiber content.
Moreover, 100 grams of fruit only contain roughly 1 gram of fiber. As a result, its glycemic response of it is not reduced.
The dried and canned versions of longan have more sugar than the fresh varieties. Furthermore, most canned longans are sweetened with syrup.
As a result, it has more calories than fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, it is not suitable for diabetics or those following a low-sugar diet.
- Poisoning by pesticides
It is susceptible to pests during cultivation. Farmers began applying pesticides to protect the harvest as a result.
- Not Recommended During Pregnancy
It has the potential to boost body temperature. Hot flashes are a common occurrence during pregnancy.
As a result, ingesting it may aggravate the problem. It can cause dry mouth, constipation, and abdominal pain, all of which can lead to death.
As a result, longans should be avoided during pregnancy.
Conclusion
It is a tropical fruit related to lychee that belongs to the soapberry family. Because of its delicate white flesh with a central black seed.
It is commonly referred to as ‘dragon’s eye.’ It is, however, less fragrant and has a musky flavor.
It is a strong source of B vitamins and vitamin C in terms of nutrition. Minerals like phosphorus and copper are also present at reasonable levels.
It is regarded as a superfood because it is low in calories.
It has a number of health advantages. These fruits help you sleep better, feel less anxious, and have more libidos. In addition, this delicious fruit aids in the treatment of infections, skin problems, obesity, tension, and anxiety.
There are, however, a few exceptions. To avoid pesticide poisoning, look for longan fruits that have been harvested organically.
This tropical fruit, on the other hand, has a number of well-documented health benefits.
FAQs
What are the advantages of eating longan fruit?
Longan fruits have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an all-natural energy booster. They also boost both men and women’s libido.
Longan fruit advantages also include improving skin health, increasing immunity, and promoting a healthy sleep cycle. They also help with memory and may prevent anemia.
Is the sugar content of longan fruit high?
Yes, longan contains a lot of sugar. Longans contain about 65 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
They also have a very low fiber content. As a result, this fruit may cause a blood sugar increase.
When is the best time to eat longan?
Longan can be consumed at any time of day. The majority of people consume the fruit when they are thirsty.
When you’re craving something sweet and juicy, you can even eat the fruit. It is, however, best to eat them during the day.
Is longan considered a superfood?
Longan contains beneficial nutrients that have a variety of health benefits. They may, for example, increase immunity and improve skin health. They may also help to prevent chronic infections and improve sleep quality. It also contains extremely few calories.
Is there any alcohol in longan?
The active alcohol concentration of A. Longan is zero. It is, nevertheless, used to manufacture rum.
Macerating longan flesh in alcohol, for example, produces liquor.
Is it healthy to consume longan on a daily basis?
A daily intake of roughly ten longans is recommended.
If you have a lot of body heat, stay away from it.
You can eat it every day, but only in moderation because it’s a good source of vitamin C and iron.
Diabetes patients and pregnant women must exercise caution.
It’s best to see your doctor before taking them.
Can you consume the seeds of longan?
Longan seeds are rarely consumed.
Seed extracts can be used in herbal tonics and teas.
The oil derived from these seeds may aid in the prevention of hair greying.
Most people, however, toss out the seeds and consume only the delicious pulp.
How do you tell the difference between lychee and longan?
Longan fruit is sometimes mistaken for lychees. Both are tropical fruits with white flesh. Longan, on the other hand, is a smaller fruit.
It has brown skin that is smooth.
Lychees, on the other hand, have a rough reddish outer surface.
Longans also have a musky taste, whilst lychees have a fragrant, floral flavor.
Longans have 60 calories per 100 grams of serving, whereas lychees have 66 calories per 100 grams of serving.
It also has a higher vitamin C content.
Is it safe for babies to consume longan fruit?
No, it is not recommended that babies consume longan fruits.
Babies may feel discomfort and constipation as a result of the increased internal heat.
Furthermore, the texture and consistency of the fruit may be difficult to chew. As a result, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before giving them logan fruit.
How hot are longans?
When longans are ingested, they produce internal body heat. Pregnant women, in particular, must avoid it to avoid difficulties.
Eat longans in moderation if you have a high body temperature.
Why is it regarded as a superfood?
Longan fruit is regarded as a superfood because it is low in calories. Longan fruit has a number of health advantages.
These fruits help you sleep better, feel less anxious, and have more libido. In addition, this delicious fruit aids in the treatment of infections, skin problems, obesity, tension, and anxiety.
What does it fruit taste like?
The flesh has a musky, sweet flavor that is similar to that of lychee fruit. The longan tree is susceptible to frost damage. Longan trees grow best on the sand.
What effects does it have on your body?
Fiber can be found in both fresh and dried lychee and longan.
Fiber aids in the bulking of stools and the regularization of bowel motions.
It also helps intestinal health in general.
It may also assist persons with diabetes control their blood sugar by lowering cholesterol, improving gut flora, and lowering cholesterol.
Is it beneficial to one’s health?
Fresh longan fruit, like most fruits, is high in vitamin C, which is one of the reasons why fruit is so important in a healthy diet.
Longan delivers almost a full day’s worth of calories in one meal. The distinct appearance and flavor of longan may entice you to eat more fruit.
Is it good for a sore throat?
The Consumer Council cautioned that eating the summer fruit longan without washing its peel could irritate the nose and throat, and in severe cases, precipitate an asthma attack.
What is the English name for the longan fruit?
The fruit was given the Chinese moniker “dragon’s eye” as a result of this.
Its English name comes from its pronunciation in Cantonese, a southern Chinese dialect.
The fruit is edible and has a sweet flavor. It is frequently used in cooking.
What is the origin of the longan fruit?
Longan (Dimocarpus longan), often spelled longan, is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) that is native to Asia and has been transported to various warm climates.
The tasty white-fleshed fruits are offered fresh, dried, or preserved in syrup, and are comparable to the related lychee.
Is it safe to eat when pregnant?
The fruit is healthy for the heart and spleen, but expectant moms should avoid eating it during pregnancy since it is a hot meal, which clashes with the pregnant body, which is already hot.
Constipation, a dry tongue and mouth, and even injury to the infant might result from this.
