What can I do with longan seeds?
The powder of dried longan seeds can be used for treating bleeding, dampness, hernia, lymphomegaly of the neck and armpit, odour, scabies and eczema, as described in another TCM pharmacopoeia named Chinese Herbal Medicine. Excessive longan intake often causes oral dryness, oral ulcers, gum bleeding and swelling, a status called “shanghuo” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system.The powder of dried longan seeds can be used for treating bleeding, dampness, hernia, lymphomegaly of the neck and armpit, odour, scabies and eczema, as described in another TCM pharmacopoeia named Chinese Herbal Medicine.Excessive longan intake often causes oral dryness, oral ulcers, gum bleeding and swelling, a status called “shanghuo” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system.
What are the benefits of longan seeds?
Longan seeds have been found to be a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid (7). Gallic acid has a strong antioxidant effect, and ellagic acid has cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, but not normal human lung fibroblast cells (8, 9). On the opposite side of the spectrum, some seeds are poisonous (apple seeds, castor beans, and lychee seeds come to mind). Safe seeds have a myriad of benefits, including promoting a healthy heart, reducing cholesterol levels, and strengthening the immune system.Additionally, the seeds contain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids [6, 10]. These compounds have potential health-promoting effects as they act as antioxidants [11] and impair the activities of free radicals.The lychee seed is actually mildly toxic. This is because they contain two toxins (methylene cyclopropyl acetic acid and hypoglycin A, if you’re a science nerd). These are slightly poisonous and can cause dangerously low blood sugar – so dangerous that you can fall into a coma or develop brain damage (The Lancet).
How to eat longan seeds?
Remove the seed: Inside the fruit is a shiny black seed. It’s not edible, so just pop the fruit into your mouth, nibble around the seed, and toss it out. Eat it raw or mix it up: Enjoy fresh longan on its own or toss it into fruit salads, yogurt bowls, or smoothies for a sweet tropical twist. Good news: Longan fruit is safe to eat for most people and is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. That said, longan seeds are not edible—they’re hard and bitter, so skip chewing on those.Just take care to remove longan’s inner seed, which is a choking hazard and contains toxic compounds. As with many fruits, longan is also processed into juice, dried pulp, jelly, and sweet syrup.It is not a good idea to eat longan seeds. So, if you want to eat longan, remember to take out the seeds first. Longan is native to Southeast Asia, and Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China all grow a lot of it. They can be turned into extracts or essential oil.
Who cannot eat longan?
People with diabetes should absolutely avoid eating large quantities of longan, whether fresh or dried. This causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly after consumption. Drawback of longan: They are high in sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to rise. Longan should also be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause the body to get too hot and cause problems like constipation and dry mouth.
Does longan cause weight gain?
There are no scientific studies on longan fruit and obesity. But its low calorie, fat, and carb counts make it a great substitution for sugar-laden processed foods in your diet that may lead to weight gain. There’s a catch, though. Lychee and longan should be enjoyed in moderation. You should also avoid fruits containing high fructose content, such as lychee and longan, because these fruits are another cause of fatty liver and obesity.