Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is a small, round, sweet, and watery fruit that is very similar to lychee fruit. It has a yellowish-brown thick shell, also known as a pericarp, which hardens as it ages.
When it‘s young and fresh, you can peel the pericarp off to get a translucent, white, watery pulp embedding a big black seed, almost like an eye.
You need to separate the seed to eat it. However, the seeds can also be processed to obtain essential oils and extracts.
These super delicious tropical fruits of the Sapindaceae family are grown widely in Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. Locals use longan in sorbets, jellies, salads, desserts, and puddings.
Let’s explore the different ways longan are beneficial to the health:
1. Boosts immunity
Longan fruit is a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a major role in strengthening immunity and warding off illnesses. Vitamin C has the potent ability to help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
2. Protects against chronic diseases
Longan fruit is high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body that damage the body’s cells and leads to chronic diseases. Consuming longan fruit can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.
3. Improves digestion
Both fresh and dried longan fruit has fibre. Fibre helps bulk stool and help in proper bowel movement. It also helps in improving the gut bacteria, thereby keeping your digestive system healthy. Consumption of fibre also prevents other digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhoea, stomach upset, bloating and cramping.
4. Lowers inflammation
The outer layer, pulp and seeds of the longan fruit possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in wound healing and lowering inflammation. A 2012 research study found that the pericarp (outer layer), pulp and seeds contain gallic acid, epicatechin, and ellagic acid, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals like nitric oxide, histamines, prostaglandins and tissue necrosis factor (TNF) in your body.
5. May treat insomnia
Longan fruit has been used for treating insomnia. A 2014 study showed that longan fruit can increase the rate of sleep and sleep duration when used in combination with hypnotic derivatives.
6. Improves memory function
Longan fruit can help support cognitive function and memory. An animal study showed that longan fruit can enhance learning and memory by increasing the rate of immature neuronal survival.
7. Boosts libido
Longan fruit has been used to increase sex drive in both men and women. Several research studies have pointed out that longan fruit is considered as an aphrodisiac which can help boost libido.
