Longan is a fruit with a unique sweet
taste. It is known as the Dragon's Eye. It is packed with valuable
nutrients and amazing health benefits. Nowadays, longan fruit is gaining
immense popularity worldwide. In this article, I will share the nutritional
value, health benefits, and growing tips of longan fruit at home. If you
are looking for an excellent superfood, you may like Longan. Now, let’s know
about this healthy longan fruit in detail step by step.
Longan Fruit
What is Longan Fruit?
Longan fruit is scientifically known as Dimocarpus
Longan. It is a small and round fruit. It has a thin and light-brown skin.
It has a black seed and juicy flesh around the seed. It is somewhat similar to
lychee and rambutan. Like them, it is also very popular. Above all, longan
fruit tastes slightly sweet and musky. It is very refreshing and an excellent
ingredient in many foods and drinks.
Longan Fruit Origin
Longan is native to Southeast Asia. It was
first grown in southern China and Northern Vietnam. Now, Longan is grown worldwide.
Its name comes from the Chinese word Long Yan. It was named Dragon's Eye
because it resembled a peeled eyeball. The fruit has long been used in
traditional Chinese medicine. Longan fruit increases energy, improves sleep,
and calms the mind.
Longan Nutrition Facts
Longan fruit is small but has a lot of
nutritional value. It contains riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), vitamin C,
potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, antioxidants like polyphenols,
carbohydrates, fiber, natural sugars, protein, a little fat and water content.
It is low in calories. Because of these valuable nutrients, longan fruit is
very beneficial for health.
Top 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Longan Fruit
Longan looks small but it has excellent
nutritional content. It is very beneficial for health. The top 10 surprising
benefits of longan are as follows:
1. Boosts Immunity
Longan fruit contains high levels of
antioxidants. Especially, it is the storehouse of vitamin C. It fights against
free radicals and boosts immune function. Regular eating of longan reduces
oxidative stress. As a result, the risk of many serious diseases
including heart attack and cancer is reduced. If you add longan to your diet,
your immunity will increase manifolds. So, your body's cells will be protected
from damage and no serious and common disease will be able to attack you
suddenly.
2. Reduces Stress and Brings Good Sleep
Longan fruit has natural sedative content.
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to increase sleep and reduce stress.
It also reduces fatigue and anxiety. If you want to sleep well at night, you
can eat longan regularly. You will get good results. You don't have to take
sleeping tablets every night anymore. Longan will be your sleeping tablet.
3. Keeps Skin Healthy and Reduces Signs of Aging
Longan fruit is full of vitamin C and
other antioxidants. These help in collagen production and reduce wrinkles and
fine lines. Besides, vitamin C prevents harm from ultraviolet rays and
environmental pollutants and keeps the skin firm, youthful, and glowing.
4. Helps in Digestion
Longan contains a lot of fiber. It
regulates bowel movements, prevents constipation, and improves digestion.
Usually, fiber is a must for intestinal health. Basically, the fiber in longan
is very effective for the digestive system.
5. Helps in Cardiovascular Health
The potassium and magnesium in longan play
a very important role in cardiovascular health. Its potassium helps in
controlling blood pressure. On the other hand, its magnesium increases heart
function and helps in keeping muscles healthy. Regular eating of longan keeps
cholesterol levels under control and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and
other heart-related problems.
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6. Improves Memory and Brain Function
The antioxidants in Longan fruit improve
brain function and memory. As a result, brain cells are protected from
oxidative stress. Besides, longan helps to increase mental clarity and reduce
brain trouble.
7. Strengthens Bones
The magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
in longan play a vital role in keeping bones healthy. These minerals help
maintain bone density among old people and reduce the risk of
osteoporosis.
8. Acts as a Natural Mood Booster
The valuable compounds in Longan fruit
help in changing mild anxiety and mood swings. Eating longan keeps the mind
calm and the mood is good. So, everyone should eat longan to improve mental
well-being.
9. Heals Wounds
The high vitamin C in longan heals wounds
by increasing collagen production. Usually, collagen is very important
for skin regeneration and tissue repair. So, everyone should eat longan
to get rid of wounds fast.
10. Keeps Eyes Healthy
The vitamin A and antioxidants in longan
keep the eyes healthy. These nutrients protect against age-related eye
problems.
How to Grow Longan Fruit
If you live in a warm, tropical, or
subtropical region, you can grow a longan tree at home. The best and easiest
way to grow a longan tree at home is as follows:
1. Choosing the Right Place
Longan trees need a lot of sunlight. So,
choose a place that has full sunlight for most of the time of the day. They
also need well-drained soil to grow. While planting them, plant them 15/10 feet
away from other trees because these trees grow up to 30 feet tall.
2. Watering and Fertilizing
Water longan trees properly. Do not
overwater them because it can cause their roots to rot. And, use a balanced
organic fertilizer for their good growth.
3. Pest Control
The pests that harm longan trees are
aphids, fruit flies, and mealybugs. To control them, spray longan trees with neem
oil and insecticidal soap once a week.
After planting long trees, it may take a few years to get its fruits. So, be patient and continue taking care of them. One day, you will be able to enjoy fresh and homegrown longan fruit from your garden.
Finally, longan fruit is a delicious and
nutritious superfood. Its health benefits cannot be denied. Many people have no
idea about the quality of this fruit. But you have got a clear idea about longan
fruit from this article. So, now you buy longan fruit from the market
or plant a longan tree in your home garden to enjoy this amazing fruit. Then
continue caring for it. After 2/3 years, you will be able to enjoy fresh longan
fruit from your garden.
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