Fruits play an essential role in improving our physical health. These fresh nutritious fruits are good for the health of our bodies. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Longan is one such excellent fruit rich in various nutrients. This article describes the health benefits of longan.
What is Longan?
Longan is a nutritious fruit that is rich in many health benefits. Longan is a plant in the Sapindaceae family. It is native to tropical Asia and China. The amazing health benefits of the fruit can include boosting the nervous system, lowering blood pressure, calming the body, and improving sleep quality. The common names of longan are– Longan, Dragon’s Eye fruit, Lungan, Cat’s Eye, Eyeball, and Mamoncillo Chino.
Plant Description
Parsley grows to a height of 9-12 m (30-40 ft) and has compound leaves with rectangular glossy leaflets. The flowers are small and yellowish white and may be staminate, pistillate, or bisexual. The nearly spherical yellowish brown fruits are usually borne in hanging clusters. The thin leathery skin covers the white translucent pulp which surrounds a thick seed. The fruit is circular and hangs in loose clusters about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The bark is thin and leathery. The flesh is transparent, and the seed is large and black with a circular white spot at the base. The flesh has a musky, sweet taste, comparable to the flavor of the litchi fruit.
Nutritional value per 100 g of Longan/Dimocarpus longan
| Nutrition | Value |
| Energy | 251 kj (60 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 15.14 g |
| Sugar | n/a |
| Dietary fiber | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 1.31 g |
| Threonine | 0.034 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.026 g |
| Leucine | 0.054 g |
| Lysine | 0.046 g |
| Methionine | 0.013 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.030 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.025 g |
| Valine | 0.058 g |
| Arginine | 0.035 g |
| Histidine | 0.012 g |
| Alanine | 0157 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.126 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.209 g |
| Glycine | 0.042 g |
| Proline | 0.042 g |
| Serine | 0.048 g |
Nutritional value of vitamins per 100 g of Longan/Dimocarpus longan
| Vitamins | Quantity% DV† |
| Thiamine (B1) | 3% 0.031 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 12% 0.14 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2% 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 101% 84 mg |
Nutritional value of minerals per 100 g of Longan/Dimocarpus longan
| Minerals | Quantity% DV† |
| Calcium | 0% 1 mg |
| Iron | 1% 0.13 mg |
| Magnesium | 3% 10 mg |
| Manganese | 2% 0.052 mg |
| Phosphorus | 3% 21 mg |
| Potassium | 6% 266 mg |
| Sodium | 0% 0 mg |
| Zinc | 1% 0.05 mg |
Other Constituents per 100 g of Longan/Dimocarpus longan
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Water | 83 g |
Scientific classification of Longan/Dimocarpus longan
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Genus: Dimocarpus
- Species: D. longan
- Scientific name: Dimocarpus longan
Benefits of Longan
1. May help with skin care
Longan contains high levels of vitamin C, which can be important for collagen synthesis, which can help keep skin firm and healthy. It can provide antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation and clear the oxidative stress in your system. In traditional Chinese medicine, longan soup is a time-tasted recipe known to add radiance and softness to the skin.
2. Anti-aging
Longan can help remove wrinkles and age spots. This fruit’s flesh contains vitamin B and C as well as antioxidants, which have anti-aging properties and reduce dryness, as well as cracking and peeling skin.
3. May improve sleep quality
In one study, it was shown that prolonged extracts may have anxiolytic activity in humans who spend prolonged periods of sleep. (1) The fruit and flesh in its seeds can often be used in Chinese tonics to promote calmness and induce deep, revitalizing sleep.
4. Can be used as blood tonic
This fruit may contain iron, which can help in the production of red blood cells and increase circulation. With proper blood flow, resources may be delivered to major parts of your body, as well as oxygen, which can boost energy and counteract the symptoms of anemia.
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5. May help in weight loss
Due to the very low calorie content of longan, it can be very effective for weight loss. Nutrient density can help suppress appetite, despite being able to eat as much fruit as you want without any real fear of compromising your calorie intake.
6. May increased energy
In traditional Chinese medicine, it was believed that longan could help balance QI, which could improve energy levels, prevent long-term illness, reduce dizziness, and increase metabolism.
7. May regulate blood pressure
The potassium present in this fruit may be directly related to lowering blood pressure. Minerals are a vasodilator, which means they can release pressure in your blood vessels and arteries, which can ultimately protect the cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
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8. May Provide Neuroprotection
Research has shown that longan can help balance the electrolytes in the body, and in turn, help improve the functioning of the nervous system. The electrical signals needed for every function of the body must pass through the electrolytes, so that this fruit can support overall function and even muscle movement.
9. Boost immunity system
Longan, being a rich source of vitamin C, can boost your immune system besides increasing antioxidant activity.
10. May speed up recovery
The high level of vitamin C means that the fruit can help in the production of collagen, which is essential for every tissue, cell or muscle in the body. Proper collagen levels mean repair can occur effectively and effectively and efficiently.
11. Protect against long-term disease
Despite the lowest levels of antioxidants. This fruit can still help remove free radicals and neutralize their effects within the body. Can help prevent healthy cell turnover, and reduce the risk of developing long-term disease.
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12. Aid digestion
Dry and fresh longan contain high amounts of fiber, which can help in defecation and increase the speed of porosity. Can help pass intestinal circulation and counteract constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, tightness and general stomach disorders, as well as improving nutrient absorption efficiency.
13. Improves memory
Many research studies have associated the use of longan with the potential for improved cognitive abilities, especially related to memory formation and retention.
14. May improve eye health
B vitamins, especially B6, B12 and folic acid in this tropical fruit can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and help maintain visual health.
15. May aid in dental care
Rich in B vitamins, longan is also known to keep teeth and gums in good condition.
Uses of Longan
Longan fruits can be eaten both fresh and dried. The fruit can also be used in juices, jams, jellies etc. to treat various diseases.
Side effects of Longan
Despite the many potential benefits of longan, there may be some side effects, such as gastrointestinal crisis and increased risk of complications during pregnancy.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before adding this fruit to your diet, as it can have a stimulating effect on the body, and even menstruation, which can complicate your pregnancy.
Stomach disorders: If you have a sensitive stomach or experience stomach disorders of any kind, avoid this fruit as it can aggravate these effects, causing anything from diarrhea and vomiting to cramping and constipation.
Therefore, longan should be used in the right amount considering its advantages and disadvantages as excessive use of any ingredient can harm our health. The above information is provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using longan in treatment.
Conclusion
The information discussed in this article has introduced you to the health benefits of longan. In this article you will learn about the benefits, harms, uses and information of longan. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. What are the common names of longan?
Ans: The common names of longan are– Longan, Dragon’s eye fruit, Lungan, Cat’s Eye, Eyeball, Mamoncillo Chino.
2. Longan is native to which place?
Ans: Longan is native to tropical Asia and China.
3. What is longan good for?
Ans: The amazing health benefits of longan can include boosting the nervous system, improving the immune system, lowering blood pressure, calming the body, and improving the quality of sleep.
4. Longan plant belongs to which family?
Ans: Longan plant belongs to the Sapindaceae family.
5. What is the scientific name of longan?
Ans: The scientific name of longan is Dimocarpus longan.