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Lychee is a strange yet wonderful fruit with an abundance of health benefits. Originating in China, lychees (known scientifically as Litchi chinensis), are soft and pulpy, either white or pink in colour and filled with tons of nutrients and organic compounds which is why they are highly celebrated in many countries. Here are five reasons why lychees should be added to your diet:

Vitamin C: The most significant nutrient in a lychee is vitamin C. Lychees have more than 100% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid in a single serving. Vitamin C is used by the body for wound healing, maintaining health and helping your body absorb iron.

Digestion: The large amount of dietary fibre in lychees help add bulk to your stool and increase your overall digestive health. This therefore allows bowel movements flow through the digestive tract easily.

Blood Pressure: The nutrients within lychees are helpful for blood circulation and formation. Magnesium, copper, iron and vitamin C are all found in a lychee and all help with healthy blood regulation. According to Organic Facts, Lychees also contain potassium which is considered a vasodilator, which means it reduces the constriction of blood vessels. Therefore, it lowers the stress on the cardiovascular system.

Antioxidants: Lychees are rich in antioxidant vitamin C. This is beneficial as antioxidants help slow down the aging process and can have large effects on your skin. Antioxidants play a large role in maintaining good health and reducing risks of heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Antiviral Activity: The proanthocyandins in a lychee have been proven to be have powerful anti-viral activity. In addition, the litchitannin A2 compound found in a lychee has also been closely connected to preventing the spread of viruses.