Longan, also called the dragon’s eye! Its nickname comes from its appearance when peeled. The translucent white flesh surrounds a black seed, resembling an eye. This distinctive feature earned it the name “dragon’s eye” in many cultures, particularly in China. It is believed to originate from the mountain range between Myanmar and southern China. Other reported origins include Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, upper Myanmar, North Thailand, Cambodia, North Vietnam and New Guinea.
Its earliest record of existence draws back to the Han dynasty in 200 BC. The emperor had demanded lychee and longan trees to be planted in his palace gardens in Shaanxi, but the plants failed. Four hundred years later, longan trees flourished in other parts of China like Fujian and Guangdong, where longan production soon became an industry.
An evergreen tree of the Sapindaceous family that originated in China. In China, longan is cultivated in the Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan, Taiwan, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. It is also grown commercially in many other countries throughout the tropics, including Thailand, India, and Vietnam. In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted to explore the pharmacological potential and novel health benefits of longan seed, particularly concerning its antioxidant activity.
The wealth of nutrients in this incredible fruit includes a good source of vitamin C, B-vitamins and other essential minerals like potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium and manganese. It is low in calories and also has less carbs making it an appropriate choice for people following a ketogenic diet. This juicy fruit also boasts certain antioxidant polyphenols like gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid that are extremely beneficial for increasing the overall wellness of the body.
Additionally, imbued with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties, longan fruit is used for treating and managing anemia, iron deficiency, skin issues, stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic diseases and very well helps in boosting immunity, speeding up healing process, aiding digestion and improving memory capacity.
Health Benefits of Longan
Augments Skin Health
Thanks to the rich levels of vitamin C, longan fruits effectively reverse the signs of ageing. It improves pigmentation, blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. In addition, this fruit helps in the formation of collagen. As a result, it facilitates the formation of new skin cells. Thereby, it keeps the skin healthy.
Enhances Sleep Quality
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, most individuals suffer from insomnia or sleeplessness. Longan may be the remedy you’re looking for due to its anxiolytic activity. The fruit extract can lower stress or anxiety. It does so by reducing the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. As a result, it can eventually help in improving sleep duration and quality.
Diminishes Anxiety
Owing to the natural stress-boosting properties, the fruit extract is extremely helpful in clearing brain toxins and improves cognitive abilities like memory, concentration etc. It also regulates the serotonin hormone and helps to reduce the various symptoms of anxiety which include restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc. It is also beneficial in subduing pain due to headaches.
Boosts Immunity
Longan exhibits potent anti-microbial properties. As a result, this helps the immune system in fighting infections. In addition, it is rich in vitamin C., a well-known antioxidant that can reduce free radicals’ harmful action. It help aid in the immune system’s defense mechanism by producing sufficient white blood cells. Furthermore, tea and herbal infusions made with longan effectively prevent respiratory anomalies, sore throat, common cold, and fever.
Enhances Weight Loss
Being low on calories, the addition of this herb to your daily diet plays a key role in reducing obesity. It effectively detoxifies the body by removing harmful toxins and being nutrient-dense, it reduces sudden hunger pangs and a craving for unhealthy dietary choices. A handful of longan fruits not only energizes the body and promotes longevity but also helps in shedding excess weight.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Longan contains a good amount of potassium, which helps control blood pressure. Many nutritionists consider potassium an under-consumed nutrient, with most Americans getting only about half the recommended amount.
With essential vitamins and minerals, this succulent fruit is not only delicious but also showcases a tons of health benefits that makes it a perfect topping to our Freshly Cooked Bird Nest. It not too late to start a healthy lifestyle. Bird Nest with Longan will definitely a good start to stay healthy!
Grab our Freshly Cooked Bird Nest with Longan.