Luscious Litchis

Succulently sweet litchis are delicious as a natural thirst quencher when eaten ice cold from the fridge or as part of your favourite salads, smoothies or desserts. Litchis are an excellent source of vitamin C, containing on average 72mg of vitamin C per 100g of fruit. This means just nine litchis yield the daily recommended vitamin C allowance for adults.

Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that result when our bodies transform food into energy.

The build up of these by-products over time is largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Research scientists at the University of Otago School Of Medicine say that including vitamin C in your daily diet could reduce the risk of cancer; in fact, it could also help fight cancer.

Choose litchis that are deep red in skin colour and have smooth, rounded bumps on the skin — this indicates ripeness and juiciness.