LYCHEE - FRUIT FOR SKIN AND HAIR

Lychee ( Litchi chinensis Sonn. ) is a tropical fruit from Asia that has gained popularity around the world due to its unique taste and nutritional value. In this post, you will learn almost everything about the lychee fruit, as well as where I met it and how I learned about its skin care properties.

Lychee is an important commercial fruit in Asia. China remains the world's largest producer of lychee, accounting for about 60% of global production, which is over 2 million tons per year. India comes second with 0.6 million tons.

LYCHEE - CHARACTERISTICS

It is a fruit of the soapberry family ( Sapindaceae ), also known as "Chinese plum". The plant is native to southern China and northern Vietnam, where it was cultivated for over 2,000 years. It is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries such as India, Thailand, South Africa, Australia, and parts of South America.

Lychee is an evergreen tree growing to 10-15 meters tall, with a dense crown and shiny, dark green leaves. Lychee fruits are spherical or oval in shape, 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter and weigh an average of 20-25 g. They are characterized by red, rough skin, which, when ripe, easily separates, revealing transparent, juicy flesh with a sweet and sour taste. Inside is a single dark brown, inedible seed. The Chinese plum requires a warm climate, with an optimal temperature of 20-35°C and high air humidity.

LYCHEE - NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH PROMOTING PROPERTIES

The Chinese plum is a fruit with a high water content (around 82%), making it an excellent source of hydration. In addition, lychee provides essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds.

Thanks to its richness in vitamin C, this fruit is an effective antioxidant, supporting the immune system and protecting cells from oxidative stress. The content of oligonols (polyphenols with low molecular weight) helps improve blood circulation and supports fat metabolism, which can have a beneficial effect on weight control.

Lychee is a very healthy fruit. The high content of vitamin C supports the immune system. The presence of polyphenols and flavonoids helps fight free radicals. Thanks to the potassium content, it supports proper blood pressure. Improves digestion - fiber supports intestinal peristalsis and prevents constipation.

The pulp is used as fragrance.

WHERE I MET LYCHEE AND WHAT SURPRISED ME

MY STAY IN VIETNAM

In Vietnam, in a cafe in Ho Chi Minh, I met a girl named Mai. We talked in English and liked each other. The topics of our conversations were life in Vietnam, Poland, cosmetics, food. We had a great time together, we liked each other and became friends to such an extent that I started to visit her house.

One day Mai served Chè dessert. I learned from her that it is a dish - a Vietnamese sweet fruit soup, served every day, but also during holidays and celebrations. It was Chè with lychee. And so we started talking about lychee and how Vietnamese girls use it.

This fruit is used not only in cooking but also in care, and hair care at that! Its juice, rich in antioxidants and above all vitamin C, is used as a conditioner for the scalp and hair.

As soon as I returned to Poland, I started looking for studies and scientific reports on the effects of lychee on skin and hair. I met with suppliers of raw materials and decided that I wanted to have the extract from this fruit in my hair cosmetics. But to make things more difficult, I decided that these would be trichological cosmetics, so I started working with a trichologist.

action ON THE SCALP

The juice of this exotic fruit, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, has a beneficial effect on the scalp. First of all, it improves its hydration. Lychee contains a lot of water (over 80%) and natural sugars, which help maintain this hydration for longer. Thanks to this, lychee juice soothes dryness and itching of the scalp.

Lychee is rich in fruit acids. They gently exfoliate dead skin, helping to keep the scalp healthy and preventing hair follicles from getting clogged. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, a key protein for a healthy scalp, and collagen strengthens hair follicles.

The extract protects the skin from free radicals and damage. The strong antioxidants (polyphenols, oligonols) present in it protect the cells of the scalp from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, pollution or heat styling. By protecting the hair follicles, they can prevent premature hair loss.

A strong scalp is the first step to beautiful hair. By reducing scalp irritation and inflammation, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of lychee help maintain a healthier scalp environment.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT HAIR?

Vitamin C supports collagen production, and collagen improves hair elasticity, which can prevent breakage. Regular use of the extract can reduce breakage and split ends. The natural sugars in it act as humectants, attracting and retaining moisture in the hair fibers.

This fruit improves hair elasticity and shine thanks to its natural fruit acids and vitamins.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The fruit body contains large amounts of phenolic compounds. In our preliminary study, the phenolic content of the collected lychee fruit body tissues was 13.9 mg/g on a fresh weight basis. The main phenolic compounds in the lychee fruit body tissues were identified as epicatechin, procyanidin B4, and procyanidin B2.

Scientific studies in 2022-2023 have shown that the in vitro and in vivo properties of lychee fruit have revealed a potential immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic and anti-cancer role. It has a wide range of applications (normalizes blood glucose levels, lowers cholesterol, fatty acids, insulin and triglycerides). Lychee fruits contain a lot of nutraceutical compounds, such as anthocyanins, tannins and polysaccharides.

The pulp contains minerals (ion, folic acid, copper, magnesium and manganese).

The fruit contains a huge amount of polyphenols that reduce inflammation (itching, redness, pain, dryness and irritation). The skin normally overproduces enzymes (elastase, hyaluronidase and collagenase). Lychee seed extract clearly inhibits certain enzymes and reduces the impact of skin activity.

The pericarp extract was tested in an in vivo test to determine the bioactive compounds. The paericarp extract (quercetin, rosmarinic acid and gallic acid) showed anti-hyperpigmentation and anti-aging effects. The extract compound has strong cellular melanin properties.

The entire plant (flower, fruit, leaves, seed coat, seed, pulp) is used for many purposes. Parts are rich in phytonutrients (procyanidin B2; leucocyanidin; cyanide glycoside, malvidin glycoside and saponins, butylated hydroxytoluene, isolariciresinol and stigmasterol), and specific phytochemicals (epicatechin; procyanidin, kaempferol, rutin) are widely used in cosmetic applications. The fruit extract is a mixture of oligomerized polyphenols. Why is this important?

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants. They help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which accelerate the aging process. Oligomerized means that polyphenols occur in the form of oligomers—compounds made up of several units (monomers) that are linked together. Oligomers are larger than single molecules but smaller than large polymers.

In the context of the fruit, oligomerized polyphenols mean that the polyphenols in the extract are combined into small groups of molecules, which can affect their bioavailability and effectiveness in the body. Thanks to their structure, oligomerized polyphenols can neutralize free radicals even more intensively, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

HOME MASKS for hair and scalp

Moisturizing mask:

• Mix freshly squeezed lychee juice with a little coconut or jojoba oil. Apply to scalp and hair for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
• Blend 5-6 fresh fruits (peeled and seedless), 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to washed, damp hair and leave for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo.

Scalp tonic:

• Dilute lychee juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on your scalp after washing to refresh and moisturize your skin.

Shampoo additive:

• Add a few tablespoons of lychee juice to your favorite shampoo to enhance its moisturizing and nourishing properties.

Lychee oil macerate:

• Lychee macerate with an oil base (e.g. jojoba or almond) can be applied to hair ends to prevent split ends and add shine.

Before using lychee juice on your scalp for the first time, test it on a small patch of skin to make sure it won't cause an allergic reaction. Lychee juice can be sticky, so always rinse your hair thoroughly after using it. Avoid using lychee juice on your scalp if you have open wounds or severe irritation.

Things to remember: Natural sugars and fruit acids can be sticky, so it's important to rinse your hair thoroughly after using lychee masks or rinses. Avoid using on hair that is very fine or tends to be oily if you're using lychee in combination with oils.

TASTY LYCHEE FRUIT

HOW TO EAT LYCHEE

Lychee is an exotic fruit with sweet, juicy flesh and a delicate aroma that can be consumed in many simple ways. To enjoy its unique taste, just follow a few simple steps. First, choose ripe fruit - its skin should be reddish or pink, slightly rough, but not too hard. Avoid fruit with browning skin, which may indicate overripeness or spoilage.

Before eating, the fruit should be thoroughly washed under running water to remove any impurities from the surface of the skin. Then, using your fingernail or a small knife, gently press and cut the skin along the fruit. The skin of the lychee is thin but quite hard, so it peels off easily - just peel it, starting from the cut spot. After removing the skin, the white, transparent flesh is revealed, which is edible and very juicy.

Inside the pulp is a large, dark brown seed, which is inedible. To remove it, simply cut the pulp in half or gently squeeze the fruit until the seed comes out. After removing the seed, the lychee is ready to be eaten raw. The fruit can be eaten on its own as a refreshing snack, added to fruit salads, desserts or used as an ingredient in cocktails and smoothies.

LYCHEE FLAVOR

Lychee has a unique, hard-to-compare taste that combines sweetness, juiciness, and a delicate sourness. The flesh is white, translucent, and incredibly juicy, and its consistency is somewhat reminiscent of grapes or peeled plums, although it is crunchier and less sticky.

The flavor of lychee can be described as sweet and floral, with subtle hints of rose or orange blossom. There is a subtle sourness in the background, which gives the fruit a refreshing character. Some compare lychee to a mix of pear, watermelon and strawberry, but with a more exotic, perfumed aftertaste.

Overall, the taste of lychee is a harmonious combination of sweetness, freshness and delicate floral notes that will please both lovers of tropical fruits and those looking for new, exotic taste sensations.

the scent of LYCHEE

The aroma of lychee is equally characteristic – intensely fruity and floral, which makes this fruit often used in the production of drinks and desserts, giving them a slightly tropical and refreshing character. Despite its sweetness, lychee is not cloying, and its natural juiciness makes it an ideal fruit to eat raw, especially on hot days.

RECIPE FROM VIETNAM

Below is the recipe for fruit soup that I ate at Maja's.

Chè Thái with Lychee (Vietnamese Sweet Fruit Soup)

Chè Thái is one of the most popular versions of the Chè dessert, originating from Vietnam but inspired by Thai cuisine. It is a refreshing dessert full of tropical fruits, jelly and coconut milk, perfect for hot days. Lychee adds a unique sweetness and aroma.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 6-8 fresh lychees (or canned, drained)
• 1 mango (diced)
• 1/2 cup longans (optional, canned)
• 1/2 cup jackfruit (sliced, optional)
• 1/2 cup tapioca balls (small balls, optional)
• 1/2 cup Nata de Coco (coconut jelly, diced)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2-3 tablespoons cane sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Crushed ice (for serving)

Preparation method:

Preparing tapioca (optional):

• Boil water in a pot and add tapioca balls. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring, until balls become translucent.
• Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

Fruit preparation:

• Fresh lychees: Peel the fruit, remove the seeds, and cut in half.
• Mango: Peel and dice.
• Longan and jackfruit: Drain and cut into smaller pieces if needed.
• Nata de Coco: Drain and cut into cubes.

Preparation of coconut milk:

• In a small saucepan, heat coconut milk, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a boil.
• Set aside to cool.

Combining ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine all prepared fruit, tapioca balls, and Nata de Coco.
• Pour in chilled coconut milk and mix gently.

Pass:

• Pour the dessert into glasses or bowls and add crushed ice for a refreshing effect.
• You can garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves for additional flavor.

SOURCE DATA:

USDA Food Data Central. Nutritional information on Litchi chinensis. FAO (2022).

Global Litchi Production Statistics. Sharma, A., et al. (2017).

Acute encephalitis syndrome outbreaks in Muzaffarpur, India: role of hypoglycin A and MCPG toxins. The Lancet.

Wang, Y., & Huang, X. (2018). Health benefits and antioxidant properties of litchi fruit. Journal of Food Science.

Molecules (2007) 759–771.Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Litchi Fruit Phenolics in Relation to Pericarp Browning Prevention