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Litchi (Litchi chinensis): Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits

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Fruits Grown in Highland Regions of the Himalayas

Abstract

A fruit of the soapberry family, Litchi, is the most relished fruit among all edible fruits. Botanically, this fruit is a nut and is the source of various amino acids, sugars, minerals and vitamins. Oligonol, a biologically active polyphenol, has been identified in litchi and has reported several stimulating effects on chronic diseases. Aglycones from litchi are known to prevent cancer and apoptosis in brain cells. Litchi consumption has also been associated with blood formation and bone density enhancement.

Order:

Sapindales

Family:

Sapindaceae

Sub-family:

Napheleae

Genus:

Litchi

Species:

Litchi chinensis

Local Name:

Lychee

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Food Science and Technology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

    Syed Zameer Hussain, Bazila Naseer, Tahiya Qadri & Tashooq Ahmad Bhat

  2. Department of Moalijat, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

    Tabasum Fatima

Authors
  1. Syed Zameer Hussain
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  2. Bazila Naseer
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  3. Tahiya Qadri
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  4. Tabasum Fatima
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  5. Tashooq Ahmad Bhat
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Hussain, S.Z., Naseer, B., Qadri, T., Fatima, T., Bhat, T.A. (2021). Litchi (Litchi chinensis): Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits. In: Fruits Grown in Highland Regions of the Himalayas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75502-7_14

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