by Amanda Blank

Created on: May 10, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2008

"A lyc-what?" you probably replied after reading this article's headline, "that's a type of fruit? It's sounds like an alien plant form!" I must admit, I had a similar reaction upon first hearing about this strange little super fruit, but before you take that dubious expression somewhere else, allow me to introduce you to this pint sized health packer.
The lychee (or lychi as it's sometimes called) originated in China almost 2,000 years ago. It soon became so popular that it made it's way to the United States in the 1800s, growing best in the warm climates of Hawaii and Florida. Many tourists to these areas are quick to try the lush, popular fruit of the tropics such as papaya or pineapple, but not many people know of the lychee.

Growing to be only about the size of a walnut, lychee fruit are gathered in clusters off of a handsome, dense, round-topped tree with a smooth, gray trunk. The leathery outside skin of the fruit is red or yellow while the inside is white and juicy. To eat a lychee, you need to peel off the skin and enjoy the sweet fruit inside. Beware, there is a seed. Properly coined, "the chicken tongue" the seed of a lychee is narrow and flat, resembling it's name.
So, what is so great about this fruit? You may be surprised to find out that the lychee carries more heart healthy benefits than it's largely celebrated cousin, the red grape. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition says that a lychee fruit has "the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of all fruits tested-nearly 15% more than the amount found in grapes." Polyphenols are your body's natural guardians, defending your cells from foreign invaders. Besides heart disease, polyphenols can also protect your body from cancer, specifically breast cancer. An added bonus to the antioxidant power of a lychee is it's high quantity of vitamin C, a proven immune system booster.
With the amazing health benefits that lychees possess, why are they so unpopular and hard to find? Well, these little fruits are particular, they like their tropical conditions to be just right. This makes them hard to transport or grow in many American states. If you're lucky enough to live in one of it's favored states, I would highly suggest giving lychee a try. However, if you're not planning a trip to the tropics any time soon, there are other ways to attain these lovely, little gems. I found the website www.lycheesonline.com that not only gives you more information about the fruit, but it also provides a means to order a shipment of lychee for yourself. Even if you don't enjoy the lychee for it's health benefits, www.lycheeonline.com also displays scrumptious recipes, including a lychee martini and lychee glazed meatballs. Try bringing on of those exotic dishes to the next cocktail party to impress your friends!

For more information about the lychee, consult these sources:
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=4&did=1 501687&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&R QT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1210429165&clientId=13772

http:// www.lycheesonline.com/lycheeinfo.cfm

Bhide, Monica. "The NEW Super Fruits." Prevention Magazine. May2008, Vol. 60 Issue 5, p87-90.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/lychee.html

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