Longan Berries Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Longan berries come from the longan tree. The longan tree (Euphoria Longan) is an evergreen tree from the soapberry family. The tree grows up to 23 feet high and produces the longan berry fruit. Longan berries are round with a pale brown skin. The flesh of the berry is white and almost translucent. It has a dark brown or black seed at the center.¹

Longan berries are roughly the same size as olives. They are often mistaken for lychee fruit because they are similar in appearance. For this reason, longan fruit are sometimes called “lychee’s little brother”.  Longan fruit have a delicious sweet and juicy taste that is described as being similar to grapes.¹

Longan fruit is native to southern Asia and can only grow in tropical climates. It cannot produce fruit at low temperatures.¹ The Chinese name for longan fruit is Long Yan Rou.³ The longan berry is often called Dragon's Eye in Asian countries like China and Vietnam.^1,2 Longan fruit medicinal uses have been applied for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).³

Longan Berries Health Uses and Health Benefits

Longan berry benefits are extensive thanks to its high nutritional value. Longan fruits contain carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron and B vitamins.^1,3 Longan berry benefits include being a powerful antioxidant because of their high vitamin C content.¹

Because of its nutrition, longan berry benefits help to reduce the risk of developing disease. They also have natural abilities to help kill viral, fungal and bacterial infections.¹

Studies have shown that longan fruit medicinal uses include being extremely effective at preventing the growth of cervical cancer cells. Other longan fruit medicinal uses include helping to protect blood vessels and prevent the arteries from hardening.³

Longan berries have also shown to help improve bone strength and density in postmenopausal women who are at high-risk of developing osteoporosis.²

Other longan berry benefits include: 

• Boosting the immune system
• Improving blood circulation
• Improving skin health
• Maintaining heart health

Longan Berries Side Effects and Precautions

There are few longan fruit side effects when consumed in moderation. When taken in high doses longan fruit side effects may include causing asthma and respiratory problems.³

References

1. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/longan.html
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/471370-effects-of-eating-longan-fruit/ 
3. http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/longan-fruit/