What are the main benefits of longan? The difference between longan and guiyuan explained in one go

It is currently the peak season for longan, and eating it regularly is very nourishing. The main benefits of longan include tonifying the heart and spleen, replenishing qi and blood, beautifying the skin, and extending lifespan. So what is the difference between longan and guiyuan? In fact, guiyuan is another name for longan. Many friends have asked about the difference between guiyuan and longan, but in reality they are the same thing with no difference at all. Why is it called guiyuan? In feudal times, the name "longan" was taboo, so to avoid it, it was called guiyuan, because the longan produced in Guangxi is very round, hence the name guiyuan, and "gui" is another name for Guangxi.

I. The main benefits of longan

1. Calming the mind and settling the spirit

Guiyuan (dried longan) contains large amounts of iron, potassium and other elements, which can promote the regeneration of hemoglobin to treat palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and forgetfulness caused by anemia. Guiyuan (dried longan) contains as much as 2.5 mg of niacin per 100 grams, which can be used to treat dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and even mental disorders caused by niacin deficiency.

2. Replenishing qi and blood, enhancing memory

Guiyuan (dried longan) is rich in glucose, sucrose and protein, and also has a relatively high iron content. It can increase energy and supplement nutrients while promoting hemoglobin regeneration to nourish the blood. Experimental studies have found that guiyuan flesh (dried longan) not only has a nourishing effect on the whole body, but is also particularly beneficial to brain cells, enhancing memory and eliminating fatigue.

3. Nourishing the blood and calming the fetus

Guiyuan (dried longan) contains relatively large amounts of iron and vitamins, which can reduce uterine contractions and the sensation of sagging. It is beneficial for pregnant women with accelerated metabolism and for fetal development, and has a fetus-calming effect.

4. Antibacterial, inhibiting cancer cells

Animal experiments have shown that guiyuan (dried longan) has an inhibition rate of over 90% against JTC-26 tumors and has a certain inhibitory effect on cancer cells. In clinical settings, when cancer patients were given oral crude guiyuan extract, symptoms improved in 90% of cases, and the life-prolonging effect was about 80%.

5. Lowering lipids, protecting the heart, delaying aging

Guiyuan flesh (dried longan) can lower blood lipids and increase coronary artery blood flow. It has a strong inhibitory effect on flavoprotein——brain type B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B), which is closely related to the aging process.

II. Dietary contraindications for longan

1. People with phlegm-fire in the spleen and stomach, dampness stagnation with retained fluids, indigestion, or nausea and vomiting should avoid eating it.

2. Pregnant women, especially in early pregnancy, should not eat longan flesh to prevent fetal movement and premature birth.

3. Because of its high glucose content, people with diabetes should not eat much of it.

4. Eating large amounts of longan easily causes internal heat, so it should not be eaten in excess.

III. The difference between longan and guiyuan

There is no substantial difference between longan and guiyuan; they are actually the same fruit.

1. Guiyuan: Fresh longan is shelled and pitted, then sun-dried, and this is called guiyuan, used for food or medicine.

2. Longan: The fresh fruit, eaten after peeling the shell and breaking off the branch. After longan is sun-dried with the shell and pit, it is called dried longan.

IV. Longan cultivation techniques

Spring planting can be done in February to March, and winter planting can be done in late October. For planting density, a row spacing of 16 m and a plant spacing of 4.5 m can be used, planting 19 to 20 trees per mu. Before planting, first dig a planting hole 1 m deep, apply river mud at the bottom. For field soil and burned soil, apply decomposed compost, superphosphate and plant ash on top, all of which should be mixed with the topsoil. After planting, the plants must first be thoroughly watered; after watering, cover with fine soil, and thereafter water 1 to 2 times per day. The planting depth should have the root crown level with the ground.

(1) Shaping and pruning

Natural flat-round shaping is adopted. In the 2nd to 3rd year after planting, the trunk is headed at 1.2 to 1.3 m above the ground, and within 3 to 4 years, 5 to 7 main branches are cultivated, and finally the center is removed. Pruning is done 3 times each year. The first pruning is at the flower spike stage, mainly cutting off diseased spikes, shaded branches and obstructing branches. The second is at harvest time, mainly cutting off short fruit-bearing branches, water sprouts, diseased branches, dead branches and shaded branches. The third is in winter, mainly cutting off shaded branches, dead branches and diseased branches.

(2) Fertilization

Apply base fertilizer once each year and topdress 3 to 4 times. The first topdressing is in February to March, applying night soil and ammonium sulfate, etc. The second topdressing is at the young fruit stage after flowers fade, around April to May, mainly applying nitrogen fertilizer, with appropriate phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. The third topdressing is from late June to early July, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, with nitrogen fertilizer secondary. The fourth topdressing is when the fruit is nearly ripe, still mainly nitrogen fertilizer. The fertilization method is to open a furrow 30 cm from the trunk and apply it in. When fertilizing, cultivation, weeding, earthing up and irrigation and drainage can be carried out together.

(3) Longan pest and disease control

Insect pests include lychee stink bug, tea-colored scarab, small gray butterfly, tussah silk moth, scorpion longhorn beetle, longan trunk borer, rear yellow leaf roller, and longan bagworm: diseases include witches' broom disease, lichen and rubber disease, and attention should be paid to their control.

(4) Longan harvesting

Longan is mostly used for processing, and the fruit must be harvested when fully ripe. When harvesting, the pruning method should be used. For fresh consumption, harvest in the morning or evening.