Overview of the health benefits of longan

Longan, also known as longan, is a nourishing product that has the same origin as medicine and food. It is rich in glucose, vitamins and minerals. It has the functions of nourishing blood and calming the nerves, improving intelligence and brain, and delaying aging. Its main health-preserving effects include improving anemia, relieving insomnia, and enhancing immunity, among which the effects of replenishing qi and blood and calming the mind are particularly prominent. The secondary functions involve antioxidant, regulating spleen and stomach, etc. Modern research also shows that longan has certain auxiliary effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.

Replenish blood and nourish the skin, improve Qi and blood deficiency

Longan contains high iron content, which can promote hemoglobin synthesis and is suitable for people with anemia and postpartum physical weakness. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and it returns to the heart and spleen meridian. It is often stewed with red dates and wolfberry to relieve symptoms such as paleness and fatigue. The Ming Dynasty's "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that longan "appetizers and benefit the spleen, nourishes deficiency and increases wisdom". Wang Mengying, a famous doctor in the Qing Dynasty, also called it "the divine product among fruits". Modern pharmaceutical companies such asTongrentangThe "Longan and Wolfberry Oral Liquid" launched uses longan as the main raw material.

Calming the nerves, aiding sleep, relieving anxiety and fatigue

The saponins contained in longan can regulate the nervous system and improve insomnia and dreaminess. For people who have been overusing their brains for a long time or under great stress, consuming a small amount of dried longan before going to bed can help them sleep. Studies have found that its calming effect is related to amino acids (such as tryptophan), which can promote the secretion of serotonin. For exampleYunnan BaiyaoThe "Guiyuan Anshen Capsule" takes advantage of this characteristic. However, it should be noted that those with yin deficiency and excessive fire should not overdose to avoid getting angry.

Antioxidant and anti-aging

The polyphenols (such as gallic acid) in longan meat have the effect of scavenging free radicals and can reduce oxidative damage to cells. Research from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University shows that longan polysaccharide can increase SOD enzyme activity and delay skin aging. Products on the market such asGPHLThe "Longan Collagen Drink" combines traditional functions with modern technology and is suitable for women's daily maintenance.

Scientific food recommendations and precautions

Although longan is good, the recommended daily consumption is no more than 15-20 pieces (fresh product), and patients with diabetes should use it with caution. It can be combined with cool ingredients such as chrysanthemum and lily to neutralize the heat. The following table lists the efficacy comparison of common longan products:

Citing sources

1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" written by Li Shizhen (Ming Dynasty) records the tonic effect of longan.
2. Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, "Research on Antioxidant of Longan Polysaccharides", 2018.
3. For product data, refer to the public information on the official websites of each company.