The health benefits of Lychee can be summarized as follows:

- Lychee fruit contains 66 calories per 100 g, comparable to that in the table-grapes. It has no saturated fats or cholesterol, but composes of good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

- Research studies suggest that oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol, is found abundantly in lychee fruit. Oligonol is thought to have anti-oxidant and anti-influenza virus actions. In addition, it helps improve blood flow in organs, reduce weight, and protect skin from harmful UV rays. (Takuya Sakurai (Kyorin University, Japan), Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 72(2), 463-476, 2008).

- Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g fresh fruits provide 71.5 mg or 119% of daily-recommended value. Studies suggest that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

- Further, it is a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

- Litchi also carries a very good amount of minerals like potassium and copper. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids help control heart rate and blood pressure; thus, it offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/Lychee.html

The health benefits of Lychee can be summarized as follows:

- Lychee fruit contains 66 calories per 100 g, comparable to that in the table-grapes. It has no saturated fats or cholesterol, but composes of good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

- Research studies suggest that oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol, is found abundantly in lychee fruit. Oligonol is thought to have anti-oxidant and anti-influenza virus actions. In addition, it helps improve blood flow in organs, reduce weight, and protect skin from harmful UV rays. (Takuya Sakurai (Kyorin University, Japan), Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 72(2), 463-476, 2008).

- Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g fresh fruits provide 71.5 mg or 119% of daily-recommended value. Studies suggest that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

- Further, it is a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

- Litchi also carries a very good amount of minerals like potassium and copper. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids help control heart rate and blood pressure; thus, it offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/Lychee.html

The Lychee (Litchi) fruit is  very good source  of vitamins and minerals and it is very delicious.

its a wholesome juicy fruits with minerals and lots of vitamins.it has a good Antioxidant property.useful in recovering patients and in a healthy person to maintain and replinesh the resources in the body.Good for health.tx

Vitamin C

When most people think of vitamin C, they automatically think of eating oranges. However lychee fruit is very high in Vitamin C. If you were to consume 100 grams of lychee fruit, you would get more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements.

There are many things that vitamin C does for our bodies, it helps to prevent bleeding, thus improving the speed at which our bodies can heal wounds. Vitamin C helps to build collagen in the body, the fibrous protein in our bodies that connects and supports other bodily tissues. Studies are showing the potential for vitamin C to contribute to cardiovascular health and improve general life expectancy. One topic that is still be debated, as the data from various studies are mixed, is the consumption of large quantities of vitamin C as a way to prevent and treat minor infections such as the common cold.

Prof. Krishnan wrote - "When most people think of vitamin C, they automatically think of eating oranges. However lychee fruit is very high in Vitamin C."

I fully agree as this is the scenario in India - oranges are more popular. In USA also, Florida oranges are sold commonly in all supermarkets.

Cost, easy availability and taste are the important factors for people to buy a fruit!

Oranges are very cheap and easily available in India. Lychee fruits are costlier, and not easily available in road-side markets in India. I came to know of Lychee (Litchi) fruit when I saw some "deal" in a Supermarket on Tropicana - Litchi Juice.

With best wishes, Sundar

Dear all, we consider the subject of an excellent diet during the holidays. This is important, especially during the holidays when the diet rules go by the wayside. Lychee fruit is amazing. This fruit contains many vitamins and other elements. Experts identify this fruit a high content of nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are components of the processes that hinder the development of atherosclerosis. And, therefore, contribute to longevity. We must remember that for those people for whom this is not available fruit are a good substitute for seafood (various species), nuts (pistachios, cashew nuts), fresh green peas, turkey meat ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

Was offered this fruit two days ago while visiting a friend. I was wary of tasting them as Iam not one to try new food but was won over with its taste.Having read some of its benefits I think I have been won over!

1 ) Anti Cancer

2 ) Oligonol

3 ) Potassium and Copper

4 ) Vitamin C

5 ) Vitamin B ,Thiamin ,Niacin ,Folates

6 ) Lychee is considered Diuretic and Digestive.

7 ) High levels of Beta Carotene

8 ) Low in calories, no saturated fats or cholesterol, rich in dietary fiber

9 ) Good source of carbohydrates

http://www.medimiss.com/2012/09/health-benefits-of-lychee-fruit.html

Francis wrote: "Having read some of its benefits I think I have been won over!"

We are glad you like it! I thank Prof. Krishnan for his latest reply - glad to know the many benefits of Lychee. In India, Tropicana / Real sell Lychee as "Juice" in Supermarkets. I hope to buy the real fruit also somewhere.. Best regards..

Lychee/Litchi contains important phytochemical named "Oligonol", which serves like anti-oxidants and anti-influenza. Oligonol improves blood flow to organs, good for skin, as it prevents UV rays and reduces weight loss too. The ample amount of anti-oxidants and phytonutrients like flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), vitamin C, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins combats free radicals resulting in prevention of many diseases.

Please also have a look at these useful ResearchGate links.

Article Biological and Phytopharmacological Descriptions of Litchi Chinensis

Article Litchi good for heath from skin to heart: An overview of lit...

Article Litchi chinensis: Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

Article Litchi chinensis as a Functional Food and a Source of Antitu...

Chapter Bioactive Compounds and Medicinal Importance of Litchi chinensis

Article A Review on Biological and Pharmacological Description of Li...

Chapter Isolation, Identification, and Pharmacological Activity of P...

Very informative discussion and good question!

There have been some reports of lychee toxicity when it is consumed in excessive amounts by children in India.

See:

Lychee, a favorite in Hawaii, linked to mysterious illness in India

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/34422475/lychee-safe-to-eat-in-hawaii-but-culprit-of-deadly-outbreaks-in-india

Dangerous Fruit: Mystery of Deadly Outbreaks in India Is Solved

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/31/world/asia/lychee-india-outbreak.html

The Lancet Global Health. Jan 31 2017.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(17)30035-9/fulltext?rss=yes

could the 'toxin' in Lychee, hypoglycine be used to help control hyperglycemia?

Good question Carlos. I have looked for information regarding this potential application of hypoglycin - although not extensively. However, I have found little.

Based on Chinese medicine, lychees belongs to the food groups that have hot nature, which benefits your Yang energy. The most important health benefits of lychee is for skin such as prevent signs of aging, help remove blemishes, reduce sunburns, it also has hair benefits, namely, promote hair growth, provide a distinct shine to the mane. Other important health benefits are have anticancer effect, promote cardiovascular health, improve digestion, prevent cataract, act against influenza, aid weight loss, regulate blood circulation, prevent blood vessel rupture, anti-inflammatory energy, protect from herpes virus, strengthen immunity, regulate blood pressure, provide stronger bones, prevent anemia and increase libido. In traditional Asian medicine, it uses for diabetes, obesity, stomach ulcers, cough and etc. Regards

Litchi/Lychee fruits possess anti-cancer properties.

Article Sicilian Litchi Fruit Extracts Induce Autophagy versus Apopt...

Article Anticancer activity of litchi fruit pericarp extract against...

The most important health benefits of litchi (Litchi) is the fight against many diseases because it contains a high proportion of antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and thus they prevent or reduce the incidence of several diseases