THE LOVABLE LYCHEE Now is the season for this fruit and here’s why you should tuck into it

The onset of the monsoon season coincides with the lychee season. This delicious fruit originating South-East Asia is loved by many people and so is a popular squash drink and ice cream flavour too. Botanically it is known as Litchi chinensis and belongs to the soapberry family. Besides their taste, it's the numeroushealth benefits that should be the reason for your to consume this fruit.  CONTAINS OLIGONOL      Oligonol, a polyphenol is present in abundance in lychees. This polyphenol not only contains antioxidant but also anti-influenza virus properties. It is also believed to protect the skin from harmful damage by UV rays, reduce fat, increasing stamina.  PREVENTS ANAEMIA      The high iron content in lychees is beneficial for the haemoglobin levels in the body, thereby preventing anaemia.  PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER      The antioxidant properties present in lychees help fight the damage caused by formation of free radicals in the body, and preventing the expansion of of cancer cells, offering protection against breast and prostrate cancer. In fact, lychees contain greater amount of betacarotene than carrots.  PROTECTS FROM HEART  DISEASES      Lychees are good for cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. This helps improve blood flow to the heart thereby, reducing the risk of heart diseases.  BOOSTS IMMUNITY      An excellent source of Vitamin C coupled with antioxidants helps to boost immunity offering protection against flu, cold, cough and infections.  FOSTERS BLOOD FORMATION      Lychee contains a host of minerals like folate, manganese, iron, copper that are essential for the formation of red blood cells. Also, the Vitamin C content helps in absorption of iron in the body.  BOOSTS METABOLISM      A generous amount of fibre and Bcomplex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates that stimulate metabolism. Fibre-rich foods are known to increase metabolism rate and suppression of appetite.  REDUCES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE      Studies have shown that foods that are high on antioxidants tend to lower high blood pressure. Lychees are also a good source of potassium, which helps in maintaining sodium levels and balance electrolytes in the body.