Litchi
Litchi or Litchi chinensis is a fruit tree of the Sapindaceae family, which produces the edible fruit of the same name. The tree is native to China.
It was introduced to Réunion in 1764 and then to Madagascar, which became one of the largest lychee producers in the southern hemisphere.
The fruit is a small sphere of 3 to 4 cm in diameter, sometimes heart-shaped, surrounded by a rather leathery shell of scaly appearance which takes on a pink to red color when ripe.
People is planting litchi in the eastern coast , from the northern region to Taolagnaro in the south-east.
Lychee production provides revenues for 20,000 to 30,000 peasant families spread over 800 km along the east coast.
THE BENEFITS OF FRUIT
Lychee reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the arteries. It thus prevents cardiovascular risks. It also contains potassium, which is essential in cardiac contraction and blood pressure regulation.
As it is a good source of potassium it contributes to the maintenance of the acid-base balance of the body with the help of sodium.It controls the pH inside the cells. It is also involved in the proper functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.
Very rich in vitamin C, lychee accelerates the production of collagen and renews it in epidermal cells. In addition to its role as an antioxidant and reducing oxidative stress, vitamin C helps maintain skin integrity, helps wound healing, protects cells against premature aging caused by free radicals and facilitates immune functions.
ENERGY INTAKE
66 kcal pour 100g of fresh fruit
82 g water
0,8g de protein
16,5g de glucides
0,4g de lipids
1,3g de fribres
71,5 g de vitamine C
171mg de potassium
10mg de magnesium
SHAPES
Juice
Puree
Dried fruits