Health Guide

Longan

Meet Longan (Dimocarpus longan), often called the 'Dragon Eye' fruit for its distinctive appearance. While often grouped with lychee, Longan is a unique tropical gem packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Potassium, and powerful polyphenols. Think of it as nature's 'calming candy'—a sweet, juicy fruit that does more than just satisfy your sugar cravings. It is traditionally celebrated for boosting vitality, improving sleep quality, and supporting healthy blood circulation. If you are looking for a natural way to enhance your energy levels while keeping your heart and mind at ease, Longan is a fantastic addition to your diet.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Longan
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC Value) Comparison

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Antioxidant Units (μmol TE/100g)
Source

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Supports Healthy Sleep: Longan is revered in traditional medicine for its ability to calm the nervous system, helping you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
  • Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps your body fend off common colds and reduces oxidative stress.
  • Enhances Energy & Vitality: The natural sugars (fructose and glucose) provide a quick energy boost, while the iron content supports healthy blood oxygenation.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin: The antioxidants combat free radicals that cause aging, helping to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Deep Dive

Longan works by nourishing the body on a cellular level. The polyphenols found in the fruit act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage cells. For energy, it offers a 'clean' source of fuel—providing glucose directly to the brain and muscles without the crash associated with processed sugars. Its most unique benefit is its neuro-regulatory effect; compounds in Longan appear to modulate neurotransmitters associated with stress, promoting a state of 'calm alertness' rather than drowsiness.

Natural Food Sources

The best way to consume Longan is fresh or dried. It is widely available in Asian markets and increasingly in mainstream grocery stores.

Food SourceAmount (Per 100g)% Daily Value (Approx)
Fresh Longan (Pulp)1 Serving (100g)Vitamin C: ~80%
Dried Longan1 Serving (20g)Iron: ~15%
Longan Tea1 CupPolyphenols: High

Supplementation

Dosage: If using dried longan meat (often found in herbal shops), a typical dose is 6g to 12g per day, steeped in hot water as a tea or eaten directly.

Who should take it: It is excellent for students, people recovering from illness, or anyone experiencing mild anxiety or insomnia. Because it is high in natural sugars, those with blood sugar sensitivities should consume it in moderation.

Top Food Sources

Fresh Longan
Eat raw for Vitamin C
Dried Longan (Longyanrou)
Best for tea/tonics
Longan Tea
Good for hydration
Canned Longan
Watch for added syrup
Chicken & Longan Soup
Savory nutrient combo

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while they look similar, Longan is smaller with a smooth brown shell and a 'slippery' seed. Lychee has a bumpy red shell and a rough seed. Longan has a milder, more distinct flavor.
Yes, in moderation. A small handful (5-10 fruits) daily is a healthy way to get your vitamins. Just watch your total sugar intake for the day.
Yes. Longan is traditionally used to calm the mind. It is often recommended for people who feel 'wired but tired'—stressed yet exhausted.
Dried Longan retains many minerals (like iron) but loses some Vitamin C due to drying. However, it becomes more concentrated in certain antioxidants.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile: Longan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for the general population when consumed in food amounts.

Who should avoid it:

  1. Diabetics: Because Longan is high in natural sugars, it can spike blood glucose levels. Monitor intake carefully.
  2. People with 'Heat' symptoms: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Longan is considered a 'warming' herb. If you have a fever, inflammation, or acne breakouts, you should reduce intake.
  3. Allergies: Though rare, some individuals may experience oral allergy syndrome.

Side Effects: Excessive consumption (more than 200g of fresh fruit daily) may lead to bloating or digestive discomfort due to the fiber and sugar content.

Scientific References

  • [1]Lin, L. et al. (2017). 'Antioxidant properties of longan fruit.' *Food Chemistry*.
  • [2]Rangkadilok, N. et al. (2005). 'Evaluation of free radical scavenging and antiproliferative properties of longan seeds.' *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry*.
  • [3]He, Z. et al. (2019). 'The sedative and hypnotic effects of longan polysaccharides.' *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*.