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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Table of Contents
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a seasonal fruit widely cultivated in many countries. High nutritional value, attractive colour and delicious taste make this fruit a popular choice. Lychee has an oblong shape, bright red skin, and sweet and juicy pulp. Its pulp, the edible part, is packed with many nutrients and vitamins. Lychee is also used for various helpful properties. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. China is the largest producer of lychee and it is also cultivated in other countries of Southeast Asia, like India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Lychee spoils quickly after it’s been harvested, so it is often processed and stored as dried fruits, juices, and wines, which effectively increase its shelf life. Lychee has the potential to be used in industries like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries.1
Did you know?
The edible part of lychee fruit, the pulp, is loaded with nutrients. Lychee is a rich source of many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. The nutritional value of lychee per 100g of serving is given below.
Did you know that lychee can be a natural boost to your endurance during physical activities? It’s true! There’s a supplement called oligomerised lychee fruit extract (OLFE) that is derived from the pericarp of lychee fruit. Some intriguing study results suggest that OLFE may have the potential to enhance your endurance.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Various lab studies and animal studies have found these properties of lychee:
As a traditional Chinese medicine, lychee has a long history of use in various ailments. For centuries, it has been used to address conditions such as cough, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, diabetes and even to eliminate intestinal worms.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
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The potential uses of lychee can be attributed to its nutrients like polyphenols and polysaccharides possess many health benefits.1
Conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (build-up of fats in the blood vessels) are some common conditions related to heart problems that plague people in their middle and old age. Eating lychee pulp might help relieve atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. The phenolic compounds in lychee pulp may help reduce blood pressure by stopping an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 1. This enzyme is responsible for modulating blood pressure.1
Lychee pulp could show the potential to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and enhance the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) in animal studies.1 However, if you are suffering from any condition of the heart, you should consult your healthcare provider. Avoid using any fruit or herb to aid in your symptoms without consulting with your doctor.
Lychee might show brain-protective benefits as indicated by several lab studies. Lychee seed extract could help with Alzheimer’s disease due to its potential effect on brain damage in an animal trial. The saponin compounds in lychee seed extract could also improve cognitive functions. Lychee seed extract might help with Alzheimer’s, but more studies are needed to verify the safety and toxicological aspects.1 These properties have been observed in animals, and more studies are required to consolidate the use of lychee in humans. Also, if you have any problems related to brain functions, you need to reach out to your doctor.
Lychee seed extract might be helpful for obesity. Obesity can also lead to high lipid levels in the blood and make you prone to other health risks. Lychee pulp extract could also help control obesity during a trial. The pancreatic lipase enzyme is an enzyme that helps digest fats. Stopping the pancreatic lipase enzyme may help with managing obesity. Lychee seed extract contains a protein that could hinder pancreatic lipase enzymes.1 However, if you wish to lose or manage weight, you need to consult a dietician or doctor before making any diet changes.
The liver is an essential organ responsible for detoxification and regulation of the metabolism of nutrients. Polyphenols present in lychee extract could reduce the extent of liver damage. Long-term and excessive usage of alcohol can lead to the accumulation of fats. Polyphenols could also prevent alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterised by excessive accumulation of fats in the liver.1 However, if you have any liver problems, you should consult a doctor before using any fruit or herb. Using herbal remedies without consulting your doctor may worsen your condition.
Diabetes mellitus is characterised by high blood glucose levels. Lychee is a rich source of polyphenols. According to several studies, polyphenols might help manage diabetes. Polyphenols in lychee seed extract could also improve the symptoms like frequent urination, polydipsia (extreme thirst) and hyperphagia (constant sensation of hunger) by reducing blood sugar levels during a trial. Lychee seed extract could also regulate the metabolism of glucose.1
Lack of insulin in the blood or impaired insulin activity can also lead to diabetes mellitus. Lychee polyphenol compounds could improve insulin resistance and might have some effect on diabetes.1 If you have diabetes, you are required to consult your healthcare provider before using any fruit or herb to aid in your symptoms. Avoid using any fruit or herb for serious health conditions like diabetes without consulting your doctor first.
Immunity is an essential physiological function of the human body. It is our immunity that protects the body from pathogens and maintains overall health. Compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoids present in lychee may have immunomodulatory benefits. Both dried as well fresh fruits of lychee may modify the functioning of the immune system.1 However, if you feel that your immunity is weak, talk to your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not use any herbal remedy without talking to your doctor.
Excessive production of free radicals in the body can lead to conditions like atherosclerosis and cancer. Antioxidants can protect the body from free radicals and may help avoid the development of chronic diseases. Lychee contains polyphenols and polysaccharides in abundance. These compounds possess strong antioxidant activity, which may help with the damage caused by free radicals.1 However these studies are incomplete to ensure these claims.
Anticancer activity of lychee has been observed against several cancer cells in studies. Components like polyphenols and polysaccharides might be responsible for this property. Polysaccharides present in fresh lychee pulp could stop the growth of cancer cells during a lab study. Lychee pulp extract might help with breast cancer in lab trials. In studies, the anticancer benefit of lychee extract has been observed against lung cancer, liver cancer and prostate cancer cell lines.1 Before using lychee or any other fruit for its properties, you should consult with your doctor.
Though there are studies that show the benefits of the lychee in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of lychee on human health.
Lychee is not only a delicious fruit but also has some fantastic benefits for your skin! It might help fight against signs of ageing and may even reduce the effects of sunburn. Additionally, regular consumption of lychee may aid in removing blemishes and promoting a more even skin tone.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
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Lychee is sweet fruit; you can eat fresh fruits of lychee. It is also available in the form of juices, wines and dried fruits.1
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking lychee or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Did you know that lychee is beneficial for your hair too? Yes, it might promote hair growth and give your locks a beautiful shine!
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Too much lychee can lead to side effects in rare cases. Different people react differently to Some people may develop adverse reactions like
If you notice any of these side effects, contact your doctor to get the necessary treatment. Also, before using lychee fruit or any other herb for its health effects, make sure you consult with your healthcare provider. This will help you avoid unwanted side effects.
Lychee offers potential benefits for eye health, as it might keep cataracts away. Furthermore, due to its mineral content, lychee may also play a role in promoting strong and healthy bones.
Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS
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Here are some general precautions you need to take while using lychee.
There is a lack of sufficient evidence to prove if there are any side effects of lychee if eaten during pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before consuming lychee.
There is insufficient information on lychee consumption in infants. Therefore, usage of this fruit should be avoided in infants.
Lychee may interact with certain medications. It is advised to avoid the consumption of lychee if you are taking medicines for any ailments.3
Also, if you want to use lychee or other fruits for their properties against disease conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about the possible precautions associated with its use.
Lychee is known to lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, people on drugs meant to lower blood sugar such as insulin, should exercise caution while eating lychee.
Taking lychee with certain drugs can increase the risk of bleeding. These drugs include aspirin, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Also Read: Beetroot: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
If you are taking any medications, make sure to talk to your doctor about the possible interactions of the drug with any food or medicine. This will help you make well-informed choices and avoid unwanted side effects.
Also Read: Apricot: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Lychee fruit has many health benefits. Consuming lychee is good for your heart, liver, and brain health. It is also effective against diseases like diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Its antioxidant activity can protect from free radical damage.1 However, you are advised to talk to your healthcare provider first before using lychee or any other food against certain disease conditions.
Lychee fruit is packed with many nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fibre. Lychee also contains many vitamins and minerals.2 Together these are extremely beneficial for health.
Lychee might help avoid heart diseases like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Eating lychee may also help you manage cholesterol levels in the body. It may help reduce bad cholesterol and enhance good cholesterol levels. Lychee offers many health benefits for the heart but if you are suffering from any heart condition, it is best to contact your healthcare provider and make well-informed choices.1 Avoid using lychee for heart conditions without talking to your doctor.
Lychee can cause allergic reactions in some people. These allergic reactions include itching and rash on the skin, swelling of the lips and the throat and diarrhoea. If you notice any of these reactions after eating lychee, you need to contact your healthcare provider.1 Also, consulting your doctor before using lychee as medicine or against health conditions will help you avoid such side effects.
Eating lychee might help you manage your blood sugar levels. Lychee can also help relieve symptoms of diabetes, like frequent urination, extreme thirst, and hunger. It could also reduce blood sugar levels.1 If you are suffering from diabetes, you should consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. It is best to make well-informed choices to prevent the condition from worsening.
Lychee has a sweet and floral flavor with a hint of tartness. Its taste is often compared to a blend of grape and pear, with a slightly musky aroma. The flesh is juicy and delicate, making it a refreshing and exotic fruit.
Yes, lychee contains natural sugars. On average, a single lychee fruit has about 1.5 grams of sugar, and a cup of lychee contains approximately 29 grams of sugar. The natural sugars contribute to its sweet taste.
Lychee does not have specific properties that make you sleepy. However, it contains vitamins and antioxidants that can contribute to overall health and well-being. Individual reactions to foods can vary, but lychee is not commonly associated with inducing sleepiness.
Yes, lychee is rich in vitamin C. One cup of fresh lychee provides over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, making it a good source of this essential nutrient that supports immune function, skin health, and overall wellness.
Yes, lychee contains potassium. A serving of fresh lychee provides a moderate amount of potassium, which is important for maintaining proper muscle function, nerve function, and fluid balance in the body.
Lychee can make you sick if consumed in large quantities, especially on an empty stomach, due to the presence of hypoglycin A and methylene cyclopropyl glycine (MCPG), which can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. Additionally, eating unripe lychees or lychees contaminated with pesticides can lead to adverse effects. It is generally safe to consume lychees in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Lychee is slightly acidic, with a pH level typically ranging between 4.5 and 5.5. Its mild acidity contributes to its sweet and tangy flavor.
Lychee can be a good addition to a weight loss diet due to its low calorie content and high water content, which can help with hydration and satiety. Additionally, lychee is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. However, it is also relatively high in natural sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Yes, lychee is generally safe to eat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. However, due to its high sugar content, it should be eaten in controlled amounts, especially for those managing blood sugar levels.
No, lychee is not a citrus fruit. It belongs to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), whereas citrus fruits belong to the Rutaceae family. Lychee has a sweet and floral flavor, distinct from the tart and tangy taste typical of citrus fruits.
No, lychee seeds should not be eaten. They contain toxic compounds, such as saponins, which can be harmful if ingested. The seeds are not edible and should be discarded, while the juicy flesh of the fruit is safe and nutritious to consume.
Yes, consuming lychee can potentially cause acidity or acid reflux in some individuals, especially if eaten in large quantities. Its slightly acidic nature might trigger symptoms in people prone to acid reflux or digestive issues. Moderation is key to enjoying lychee without experiencing discomfort.
Babies can eat lychee, but it should be introduced after they are at least one year old to reduce the risk of choking and potential allergic reactions. Always ensure the fruit is peeled, deseeded, and cut into small, manageable pieces.
1. Zhao L, Wang K, Wang K, Zhu J, Hu Z. Nutrient components, health benefits, and safety of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): A review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2020 Jul 1;19(4):2139–63. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12590
2. Kilari EK, Putta S. Biological and Phytopharmacological Descriptions of Litchi Chinensis. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2016 Jan 1;10(19):60. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791990/
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