How to get rid of tanning and uneven skin tone

Exposing your skin to the sun can cause damage to it. The summer heat can not only dehydrate you but also soak in the moisture from your skin, making it dry and frail. Our expert gives tips to remove tanning and rectify uneven skin tone caused due to the sun.

Tanning

Tanning of the skin due to sun exposure is quite common and there are a few home remedies that you can employ to get rid of it. However, one needs to keep in mind that there is nothing that can help remove a tan overnight. It will take at least a week.

In order to get rid of their tan, some people opt for the harshest method available – they bleach their skin. But by doing so, they cause dryness, burning and further darkening. Bleaching also reduces the smoothness of your skin to a large extent.

Remedies for removing tan

Soak saffron in milk cream and steep overnight. Blend this in the morning with your fingers and apply on the affected area. This will lighten your tan effectively. It has the added benefit of adding a glow to your skin as well. If you also want to sanitise your skin, add a few drops of lime juice to this mix.

You can also exfoliate your skin to get rid of the dehydrated layer as this will give the illusion that the tan has lightened. Exfoliating your skin strips it off the dead skin cells that are on the topmost layer. This action stimulates cell growth and regeneration which results in a smoother, clearer and an even skin tone.

Another trick to hide your tan is by covering it up with light make-up. But note that this is just a temporary solution and should be used when you are in a fix and have no other option.

Uneven skin tone

Many a times, we suffer from uneven skin tone where some parts are lighter than the others. This is due to the overproduction of melanin.Sun exposure can aggravate this condition with its harmful UV rays. Here are some ways which can help get rid of uneven skin tone.

Microdermabrasion

The skin complexion can be evened out through the mechanical action of tiny beads. This procedure is called microdermabrasion. The scrubbing action not only acts on the surface but also cleanses and moisturises the skin.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels may be a little daunting considering that they can be a bit harsh when not applied properly. But under the right conditions, chemical peels can remove stubborn dirt and dry skin bringing out that fresh and rejuvenated appearance with a complexion that is evened out.

A word of caution with chemical peels is that you have to protect yourself better from sun exposure because the skin becomes more sensitive after use. Put on sunscreen that has a broad spectrum and an SPF of at least 30. You should also moisturise regularly to make so that your skin gets enough hydration after a chemical peel. A lack of it can result in breakouts which could create dark spots.

Laser

An aggressive approach to fixing uneven skin tone is through laser therapy. It basically works the same way as your other hyperpigmentation treatments – by removing the outer layer of dead and dry cells revealing a more even skin underneath.

The advantage of laser therapy is that it acts more precisely on the problem areas. There are different kinds of laser therapy, and the good thing about it is that the instrument can be programmed specifically by the doctor to get a therapeutic dose of the laser energy.

Tips

Wearing sunscreen every day will significantly cut back on accumulated sun damage. Load up on antioxidants, both topically and internally to avoid uneven skin tone. To nourish your skin internally, drink three to four liters of water daily, eat fruits rich in vitamins and minerals like citrus fruits, melons, and moisturise heavily at night. 

Have a dark neck? Lighten with these treatments!

Do you love wearing your hair up but feel ashamed of dark lines or spots on your neck? You are not alone. Nearly 20% of men and women suffer from this condition. Luckily, there are solutions. American dermatologist Dr Kiran Lohia, MD tell us how to get your neck’s complexion back.

What causes darkening?

Essentially, the condition is called Acanthosis Nigricans, and it is usually benign. Appearing as brown, velvety skin with prominent lines, this issue cannot be resolved by scrubbing or washing with water. It is an intrinsic condition that is genetic and/or hormonal. This problem is also more prevalent in people who have a higher likelihood of getting metabolic syndrome or diabetes, so if you have a dark neck, make sure you start eating healthy and exercising right. 

How to get rid of the darkening?

Lifestyle changes

If you are overweight, weight loss will definitely help improve your dark neck. Since Acanthosis Nigricans is worsened by your hormones and by diabetes, weight loss reduces it naturally! Also, eating low glycemic foods and exercising regularly will be very helpful too.

Medications

Certain medications such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or tretinoin can help get rid of that pigmentation. However, it can only work so much. They usually need to be combined with treatments to get really remarkable results. For daily use, look for a body lotion with urea such as Hydro-7 body lotion and apply it morning and evening to help work on that darkness without using a medication.

Peels

Chemical Peels can be very effective in getting rid of darkened skin. They are medical treatments that are designed to help you self-exfoliate older skin to reveal newer and fresher skin.  Done once every two weeks, there are hundreds of different types of peels, so make sure you go to an experienced dermatologist who can choose the right one for your skin so that you get results without risks. You will need at least 8-12 sittings of this, so you must be patient enough to wait for those results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a physical medi-exfoliation of dull and dark skin that should be performed by a trained physician when you are looking for an improvement in your pigmented skin. There are two major types of microdermabrasion technologies. Earlier, aluminum oxide powder was used to exfoliate the skin. But, it was messy, had variable results and there were some reports of patients accidentally inhaling the powder. Now the newest method is using a diamond crystal hand piece which gives better results without any risk. 

Lasers

Lasers are the latest technology available to dermatologists and is being used regularly in treating Acanthosis Nigricans. They are focused light beams that have different targets based on which wavelength the light has been focused on. Lasers have been around since the 1960s without any issues and are perfectly safe when done by a certified laser trained dermatologist.

How foods with low glycemic index help maintain weight and control diabetes

Did you know that eating foods with low glycemic index can keep your blood sugar levels in-check and help your body metabolise fat more effectively? Glycemic Index or GI measures the effect of a specific food on your blood glucose levels after you eat it. Pure glucose, with a GI rating of 100, is used as a standard against which all the foods are measured on the GI Index.

All other foods are measured on a scale of 0 to 100 depending on their effects on blood glucose levels in the body. A low glycemic food ideally has a GI of 50 or less. Wholegrain chapattis or bread, legumes, barley, beans, non-starchy vegetables, apples, pears, citrus fruits, meat, fish and eggs have low GI index.

Nutritionist Prema Kodical lists the health benefits of low GI foods and tells us ways to modify our food choices to make it low in glycemic index.

Health benefits

Low GI foods do not cause blood glucose levels to rise rapidly. Since they do not raise blood sugar levels, less insulin is required to eliminate sugar from the blood. This in turn lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain fibre that helps reduce cholesterol levels. Because low GI foods offer a high amount of bulk in the form of wholegrains, legumes and vegetables, they fill you up in fewer calories and help you maintain healthy weight. They may also be helpful in preventing colon cancer and breast cancer.

Tips to eat low GI foods

• Eat whole grains and wholegrain flour instead of refined flour likemaida.  Foods such as rolls and ready-to-eat cereals tend to have high GI value. Avoid packaged and processed breakfast cereals like cornflakes or those with added sugar. You can beat diabetes with a wheat, flour and rice-free diet.
• Eat whole fruits instead of having fruit juices. For example, orange has a GI rating of 42 which is low GI while its juice has a rating of 52 which can be considered as moderate GI.
• Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn and beetroot have medium to high GI levels. Therefore opt for non-starchy vegetables with low GI such as spinach, broccoli, peppers, onions and cabbage. Have blended vegetable soups instead of clear soups.
• Include legumes and nuts like dried beans, split peas and lentils. Soy beans have a very low GI value of 18. Other legumes like black beans, kidney beans and white beans also have very low glycemic index.
• Fibre can also better control blood sugar. Add fibre to your diet in the form of flaxseeds, pysillium husk and chia seeds.

By including these foods, you can plan a healthy diet with an overall low glycemic value.

9 healthy reasons to eat black plums or jamun

Although the monsoon is still about to set in, those sweetish, sour purple-black plums, popularly called jamun in India, have started appearing in the market. And there’s absolutely no reason for you to shy away from it. Apart from giving that peculiar colour to your tongue, the jamun fruit also offer a lot of health benefits. Here are they

Jamun has been traditionally used for its anti-diabetic properties since several decades. Later several experiments and clinical studies confirmed the anti-hyperglycemic effect of various parts of the plant. Jamun has a low glycemic index which prevents spike in blood sugar. It also contains compound like thocyanins, ellagic acid, isoquercetin and myrecetin which stops the conversion of starch into sugar. It also enhances insulin activity and sensitivity.

If you constantly feel weak and fall sick with seasonal changes every time, then you need to eat foods that will make your immune system stronger. And jamun being rich in powerful antioxidants will surely help you improve your immunity.

Jamun contains nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and Vitamin C making it great for strengthening bones.

The potassium rich content of jamun makes it an effective natural remedy for treating high blood pressure. A 100g serving of jamun will give you 55 mg of potassium. A study by Ladeji and colleagues found that jaumun significantly reduces systolic and diastolic BP within 45 of oral administration. The seed extract of jamun has been found to lower blood pressure by about 34.6 per cent.

Vitamin C and iron in jamun helps your body to make more haemoglobin and prevent anemia.

By helping you control your BP due to its potassium content, jamun helps you prevent heart disease and stroke. Moreover, the antioxidants that it contains prevent free radical damage of the arterial walls that causes blood clots and related heart disease.

Since ages, the jaumun plant has been used for treating bacterial infections. It contains compounds like malic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid and tannins which gives the fruit pharmacological properties like being antimalarial, antibacterial and gastroprotective.

Some preclinical studies have suggested that jamun is chemopreventive in nature. Scientists have found that the phytonutrient chemicals in jamun can inhibit growth of breast cancer cells without affecting normal cell growth.

According to a study by Jagetia GC and colleagues the fruit extract has radioprotective properties as well. The study demonstrated that jamun extract inhibited radiation induced generation of free radicals that can cause cancer.

11 health benefits of papayas

Christopher Columbus, an Italian voyager once referred to papayas as the fruit of the angels. The fruit which is extremely rich in Vitamin C has a wide range of health benefits making it a great fruit option to include in your diet. Here are some of the top health .

benefits of papaya

1.  Lowers cholesterol

Papaya is rich in fibre, Vitamin C and antioxidants which prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries. Too much cholesterol build-up can lead to several heart diseases including heart attack and hypertension. Read more about foods that can help reduce cholesterol. 

2.  Helps in weight loss

Those looking to lose weight must include papaya in their diet as it is very low in calories. The fibre content in papaya leaves you feeling full and also clears your bowel movement making your weight loss regime easier. Read about more foods that can help you lose weight. 

3.  Boosts your immunity

Your immunity system acts as a shield against various infections that can make you really sick. A single papaya contains more than 200% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, making it great for your immunity. Read more about foods that can boost your immunity. 

4.  Good for diabetics

Papaya is an excellent food option for diabetics as it has a low-sugar content even though it is sweet to taste. Also, people who don’t have diabetes can eat papaya to prevent it from happening. Here is ahealthy diet plan for diabetics. 

5.  Great for your eyes

Papaya is rich in Vitamin A which helps protect your vision from degenerating. Nobody wants to lose their ability to see due to diseases like age-related macular degeneration, and eating papayas will ensure that you do not see a day where you cannot see. 

6.  Protects against arthritis

Arthritis can be a really debilitating disease and people who have it may find their quality of life reduced significantly. Eating papayas are good for your bones as they have anti-inflammatory properties along with Vitamin C which helps in keeping various forms of arthritis at bay. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that people who consumed foods low in Vitamin C were three times more likely to have arthritis than those who didn’t.

7.  Improves digestion

In today’s times, it is near impossible to avoid eating foods that are bad for your digestive system. Often we find ourselves eating junk food or restaurant food prepared in excessive quantities of oil. Eating a papaya daily can make up for such occasional mistakes, as it has a digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.

8.  Helps ease menstrual pain

Women who are experiencing menstrual pain should help themselves to several servings of papaya, as an enzyme called papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual periods. Read about more tips that can help ease menstrual pain. 

9.  Prevents signs of ageing

All of us would love to stay young forever, but no one in this world has managed to do it. Still, healthy habits like eating a papaya daily will prolong the process and may make you look 5 years younger than you are. Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps prevent your skin from free radical damage keeping wrinkles and other signs of ageing at bay. 

10.  Prevents cancer

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that prevent your cells from undergoing free radical damage. Some studies have also linked the consumption papaya to reduced risk of colon and prostate cancer. Here are some food habits that can help prevent cancer. 

11.  Helps reduce stress

After working hard for the whole day, it is a good idea to come home to a plate a papayas. The wonder fruit is rich in several nutrients like Vitamin C which can keep you free from stress. According to a study conducted in University of Alabama, found that 200 mg of Vitamin C can help regulate the flow of stress hormones in rats. Read more about foods that you should avoid if you have stress. 

Juice Fasts

Do you fast? Most Indians fast once a week, for religious purposes. But did you know that fasting, if done right, can be great for the health too? 

We tend to underestimate our Indian culture in our desire to ape the West. While the benefits of fasting are now being realized by the West, Indians have been fasting for millennia. We need to appreciate that our Indian religion is very scientific. While it may have a religious focus, the activities our religions call for, have enormous health benefits. Why do you think some of our sages live to be 300 years old? Not because God stops them from dying, but because their bodies are young, fit and healthy. While we can't drop everything and go and meditate in the Himalayas, there are definitely certain things we can imbibe, and one of them is fasting.
 

Here are tips on how to fast, to get your health back in shape.   

1. While some people fast for ten days to a month at a time, you could begin with one day a week, or even one day a month, and move on from there. 


2. Our toxins are stored in the body in the form of fat. So while fasting will definitely get rid of the fat, it will also mobilize the toxins which have been latent so far, and release them into the body all at once, rendering your body unable to cope, especially if you have suddenly gone on an extended fast. Thus, it makes sense to start out by a day at a time. 


3. When we stop eating, our system gets a break from the junk that we consume, but it also stops getting the nutrients it needs. Thus, your fast should include intake of nutrients in some form. This need is best served by consuming juice. 


4. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are the best bet. You could also have vegetable juices like carrot or beet juices, diluted with distilled water. 


5. Drink lots of liquid. Your body will be losing water, and you need to replace that. 


6. No tea, coffee or alcohol during a detox fast. Avoid milk as well. As mentioned before, all your liquid intake should be in the form of fruit or vegetables.  


7. As this is an extremely low calorie form of diet, you will barely be taking in protein or carbohydrates and will not be taking in any fat. It is thus likely that you feel week and disoriented. Don't do anything physically or mentally strenuous, as you would be straining your body. If possible, rest at home on the day you are fasting. 


8. Juice fasts help rejuvenate the body as your stomach will get a break from all the impure forms of food that you have been consuming. The bonus is that you will lose weight quickly - and safely, if you fast right, as your calorie intake will drop. 


9. A good idea would be to consume the juice of that fruit which is beneficial for the particular ailment you've been suffering from. Thus, if you've got a weak liver, consume as much grape juice as possible during your fast. 


10. Ease back into solid foods slowly, especially if you've been on an extended fast that lasted more than a day. Breaking a three-day long fast with butter chicken, paneer makhani and naan is a bad idea to say the least. Eat something light the day after your fast.

The Parents Guide to Healthy Snacking

It is every parent's primary concern to make sure that the children do not suffer any health issues due to not being provided enough nutrients in food. Also children often overeat in their enthusiasm and hunger, which lead to minor glitches like constipation and indigestion. Avoid all these mistakes and make sure you reduce the amount of junk you feed your children.

A balanced diet and vegetables shall supplement the positive growth in your child, whether mental or physical. Off late, due to time constraints or a hectic lifestyle, we as parents neglect the needs of our own children. Junk food does not compliment the health needs of any individual and children tend to binge on them if not provided enough food. And this might be a problem.

Here's how you can be the smart and responsible parent.

Ten Snacking Tips

Children normally tend to snack mid-morning, before lunch, in the afternoons and sometimes in the evenings. So here is a list to make sure you provide all the required supplements before you whip that quick snack for your loved ones.

• Make sure you choose the right time for a snack. Often snacks, instead of working as appetizers to a wholesome meal, make the child full and prevent him from eating his veggies and rice. Chapatis should not be the only main course. Make it a habit to eat at regular times on all days and incorporate a gap of at least one and a half hours before any meal.
  
• Teach your children to concentrate on their food and not be around any distractions like the television or video games which lead to overeating. Also make sure you teach them to chew their food before they gulp it.
  
• Plan the snacks you make so that they contain all nutrients. And try variations between a solid snack (like buttered broccoli or cottage cheese and chana in the mornings) and a liquid protein shake or milk shake for the evenings.
  
• Make sure you set the right example to your children. Avoid that glass of wine at nights or binging on wafers in front of them.
  
• Stop being monotonous with the snacks you serve. Try mini idlis or pizzas and innovate. You could also use wheat bread sandwiches instead of instant noodles. Also try raw veggies with a cheesy dip or a quickhealthy bhel with soy chunks.
  
• Even at our age, we find it difficult to stop munching on the crispies and fried chips. Make sure to keep junk food out of reach of your children and keep muesli or other healthier snacks where they can find and eat them.
  
• Traveling and food are very important. Make sure to carry boiled waterfrom home in a water bottle. Also carry healthy snack options like chaat masala and raw veggies like carrots and cucumbers in a cool insulated box. You could also carry fresh juices or lemon juice to avoid thirst or dehydration.
  
• Make sure you include proteins in your child's diet. Give him those cheese slices or peanut butter sandwiches. Include glucose drinks.
  
• Encourage your children to form hygienic habits and wash their mouth after every meal. Make sure they brush twice a day to prevent cavities.
  
• Lastly, a little indulgence of junk food is always a treat to the kids. So do not deprive them of their happiness. But do keep it in check.

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Potato is used in many Indian recipes. The potato is not only good for health but also used in many beauty remedies. Read about the health benefits of potato right here. 

Recent research studies have indicated that after sugar, carbohydrates such as potatoes are one of the first things that people keeping a close watch on weight stay away from. Ironically a cooked new potato has only 26 calories and is full of nutrients. It does not add to body fat significantly and in fact has numerous health benefits.

Potatoes have complex carbohydrates that provide short and instant energy boost. Potatoes are filling foods which help to keep a check on binge-eating which we frequently indulge in.

Potatoes are an excellent source of fuel and energy for our bodies, which are required by us especially when we are on a diet. Being a rich source of carbohydrate it helps to fuel all reactions in the body that is required for simple thinks like movement, thinking, digestion and cellular renewal.

Potato Health Facts

Following are some of the other health benefits of potatoes

Vitamin Booster - Potatoes were consumed by sailors in the 19th Century to prevent scurvy. Being rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C, a medium sized potato with the skin provides 27mg, which is roughly half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C by adults. Potatoes are also a rich source of folate, Vitamin B, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron.

Blood Pressure - Scientific food research studies have indicated that potatoes contain blood-pressure lowering molecules known as “kukoamines”. Although the exact quantity of potatoes you need to consume to have the desired effect on blood pressure levels is yet to be determined, a couple of servings if consumed on a daily basis can impact blood pressure levels in a positive manner.

Protection Against Cardiovascular Diseases - There are approximately 60 different kinds of Phyto-chemicals and vitamins that are found in potato skins. Many of these are flavonoids that help protect against cardiovascular-disease by lowering levels of bad LDL-cholesterol and keeping arteries free of fat.

Vitamin B present in potatoes is also useful to protect arteries. Vitamin B6, found in potatoes, is capable of reducing the levels of a molecule called Homocysteine which is involved in furring up and inflamming the arteries. High Homocysteine levels are linked with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Gut - A baked potato provides approximately 12 percent of the daily recommended amount of fibre. Intake of dietary fibre supports healthydigestion, regular bowel movements and at the same time provides protectionagainst colon cancer. However, it is important to bear in mind the fact thatmost potato fibre is found in its skin.

Stress - Potatoes contain Vitamin B6, which is required by our bodies for cellular renewal, maintaining a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. 200grams of baked potato contains 21 per cent of the daily value of this vitamin.

Digestion - Since potatoes largely contain carbohydrates, they are easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This makes potatoes a good diet for patients, babies and for people who cannot digest hard food but at the same time require energy. Potatoes also have fibre or roughage which is present more in raw or cold potatoes as compared to boiled or hot ones.

Skin Care - Vitamin-C, B-complex, magnesium, potassium, zinc and phosphorus found in potatoes are very beneficial for our skin. A very effective face pack for skin and face can be easily made at home by mixing the pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes and honey. This face pack is useful to cure pimples and skin spots.

Potato is an inseparable part of Indian recipes. A potato can be used in many beauty and health remedies too. Potato consumed in moderate quantities can prove very beneficial for health. Therefore, consume potato in a right proportion to reap its maximum benefits.

Health Benefits of Dry Fruits

Having few dry fruits daily can provide innumerable health benefits. Read on to know more about the health benefits of dry fruits.

Dry fruits are not just delicacies but extremely rich sources of proteins and minerals. This is precisely why every diet regimen recommends having at least a handful of dry fruits in your daily diet. There are umpteen choices in the dry fruit category, almonds, dates, raisins, walnuts, cashews, pistachios and peanuts being some of them. Since the amount of essential nutrients is very high in dry fruits, it is found that most of them are loaded with medicinal properties as well. Here is a list of benefits of some most common dry fruits:

Almonds

Almonds are high on unsaturated fats apart from having vitamin B1, iron, phosphorus and copper. Regular intake of almonds helps the body to create new blood cells, raise the haemoglobin levels and aid the desired functioning of all the crucial organs of your system. Almonds are very beneficial on the skin too. Almond paste with milk or milk cream can work wonders on the texture and complexion, making it even, supple and fairer. You can add rose buds to this paste for more effective results. Then, almond paste with water or cream also helps in the cure of eczema.  It also helps to relieve constipation problems and helps to restore sexual vigour. Almond oil can be applied to the scalp to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth, it also helps to relieve headache.

Raisins

Raisins are nothing but dried grapes which can be of the green and black variety. They are high in sugar content and are very beneficial in wasting diseases. This makes it very handy when you are recovering from a certain disease or after a prolonged treatment. They are very helpful if curingconstipation issues. People, who are suffering from low iron levels, can benefit from regular intake of raisins. It also helps those who need to gain weight in a healthy manner. Black raisins are considered to be beneficial in the restoration of sexual vigour.

Walnuts

This is the only dry fruit or nut that contains the essential omega 3 fatty acid that comprises of the alpha linolenic acid or ALA, linoleic acid and the arachidonic acid. They are high in the mono-unsaturated fatty acids or MUFA. They are very good for the heart as they reduce the levels of triglycerides. Regular intake of walnuts helps to increase the good cholesterol levels or the HDL. Melatonin is another essential component of walnuts that effectively protect against inflammation and other similar associated health issues. The other beneficial components include riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, folates and niacin.

Cashews

They are very rich in protein and fibre content. Since it does not have any cholesterol, it is high on monosaturated fat which is great in improving the cardiovascular condition. With high antioxidant levels, cashews also effectively eliminate the free radicals, thereby proving to be beneficial in preventing and curing cancer. With high magnesium levels, it helps in building muscles and bones along with promoting the health of gums and teeth.

You will find in all the above mentioned and a host of other dry fruits and nuts that they are helpful in enhancing the energy levels and reducing stress. Their varied vitamin and mineral content helps in the prevention of myriad diseases and improving the existing health conditions of the system.

Health Benefits of Litchi

Litchi is one of the fruits available in summers. Litchi not only tastes good but also provides immense health benefits. Read about the health benefits of litchi and find tips for buying and storing litchi the right way.

Litchi, or lychee, is a frequently used ingredient in a number of Asian preparations. In the United States, it is normally used in canned form. Litchi has a delicate, rose-like flavour and forms an excellent accompaniment for desserts and salads along with pineapples, bananas and mangoes.

At the first glance you will find that litchi resembles strawberry with the only difference being that the litchi skin looks like alligator skin. Its exterior is rough and tough. To have the fruit you must peel the litchi to get to its edible interior. Once peeled, the litchi is like a peeled grape- grey in colour with a pearly grape-like texture. The litchi flesh is soft and surrounded by large inedible seed.

Nutritional Properties of Litchi 

Have a quick look at the nutritional properties of litchi.

Vitamin C - A cup of fresh litchi contains approximately 130 mg of vitamin C, which is 226 percent of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Dried litchi provides 51 mg of vitamin C per oz. Vitamin C is required by our body to produce collagen, maintain a healthy immune system and strong teeth and bones. It is an antioxidant which helps in getting rid of free radicals which contribute to disease and aging.

Potassium - 1 cup of fresh litchi provides approximately 300 mg of potassium. This is much more than that provided by an average sized mango. Potassium is useful to regulate the heart rhythms. It is also an electrolyte that helps muscle contraction and fluid balance.

Vitamins and Minerals - Fresh litchi also contains B vitamins - riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and folate. These vitamins are essential for maintaining red blood cell health and metabolic processes. Litchi is also a rich source of phosphorus and magnesium which helps to support strong bones, and the trace minerals copper and manganese.

Fat & Calories - Litchi contains only trace amounts of fat. It contains sugar in natural form which is beneficial for our body. However, the canned varieties often contain high amounts of added sugar and hence are best avoided.

How to Buy and Store Litchis?

Here are some tips for buying and storing litchis the right way.

How to buy litchis? - You must go in for the fruit which has a bright colour, light red to deep red without any blemishes. The skin of litchi is naturally tough and leathery. However, while buying the fruit, bear in mind the fact that in appearance the skin must be pliable and not overly dull, dry or dark. Litchis stop ripening once they are plucked. Hence, avoid litchis which look raw, cracked, leaking, or smell fermented.

How to Store Litchis? - Once you buy fresh litchis it is important to store it properly. Ideally you must wrap it in a paper towel, place in a perforated plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. As the fruit ages it will start fermenting, because of which you must use it quickly.

You can also refrigerate litchis to be used at a later date. To refrigerate the fruit place the fruit, skin on, in a zipper bag, suck out the air, and seal.

Litchi, which when translated in Chinese means a ‘gift for a joyful life’ and it lives up to its name. It contains a whole lot of vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for the human body. This delicious, juicy fruit has been enjoyed by natives of Southeast Asia for centuries. In addition to specific health benefits, litchi also contains phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and protein. The popularity and potent health properties of this fruit has made it an all time favorite the world over.