With Jamaica’s rich tropical climate, many delicious and tasty fruits have been able to thrive on the island. Some of these fruits include the watermelon, tangerine, banana and orange, which can all be found all across Jamaica.

Not only are these fruits delicious, tasty and enjoyed by many, but they also provide several health benefits. In another edition of Our Today‘s feature series, we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits are able to provide, and for today the focus is on lychee.

Spelt by some as lichi, litchi or lychee, it is said that the fruit originated in China. This tasty delight, beloved by many locals, can also be found in India, Madagascar, Malaysia and Mexico.

Health benefits

Helps with wound healing

Vitamin C, found abundantly in lychee, assists with the formation of collagen. Collagen, a structural protein, is the most important connective tissue.

Consuming lychee can also help to minimise raised scar formation.

Helps with blood pressure

Like the banana, this tasty fruit contains natural reserves of potassium, which maintains fluid balance, resulting in normal blood pressure levels.

Anti-ageing properties

Containing high amounts of antioxidants, eating lychee can provide anti-ageing properties.

Immune system booster

Not only is vitamin C able to help with healing, but it can also boost one’s immune system. Eating lychee supports various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.

Can help with digestion

With the fibre found in the lychee fruit, a healthy intake can help increase the weight and size of stool, resulting in the ideal soft stool.

Strengthens bones

Lychee is filled with nutrients including magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper. These minerals have been known to increase calcium absorption in the bones, thereby making them strong and healthy.