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Lychee: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More By Dr. Rajeev Singh

By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more

Introduction:

Lychee isn’t just a sweet and juicy tropical delight; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients with incredible health benefits! Whether you crave glowing skin, a strong immune system, or better digestion, this tiny fruit has covered you. Loved for centuries, lychee is more than just a refreshing summer treat. In this blog, we’ll dive into its amazing uses, health perks, and a few things to watch out for so you can enjoy lychee to the fullest!

Did you know that lychee can naturally boost your endurance during physical activities? It’s true! An oligomerised lychee fruit extract (OLFE) is a supplement derived from the pericarp of lychee fruit. Some intriguing study results suggest that OLFE may potentially enhance your endurance.

litchi benefits
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Surprising Ways Lychee Can Benefit Your Health

The potential uses of lychee can be attributed to its nutrients like polyphenols and polysaccharides, which possess many health benefits.1

1. Good for Heart Health:

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 angiotensin-converting enzyme 1. This enzyme is responsible for modulating blood pressure.1

In animal studies, Lychee pulp could reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and enhance high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels.1 However, you should consult your healthcare provider if you have a heart condition. Avoid using fruit or herbs to aid your symptoms without consulting your doctor.

2. Good for the Brain:

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 Also, if you have any problems related to brain functions, you need to reach out to your doctor.

3. Helps with Weight Management:

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, consult a dietician or doctor before making any diet changes.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, lychee has a long history of use in various ailments. It has been used for centuries to address conditions such as cough, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and even to eliminate intestinal worms.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. Good for Liver Health:

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.

5. Boosts Immunity:

Immunity is an essential physiological function of the human body. Our immunity protects the body from pathogens and maintains overall health. Compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoids present in lychee may have immunomodulatory benefits. Both dried and fresh fruits of lychee may modify the functioning of the immune system.1 However, if you feel 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.

6. Good for Oxidative Stress:

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 prevent the development of chronic diseases. Lychee contains polyphenols and polysaccharides in abundance. These compounds possess potent antioxidant activity, which may help with the damage caused by free radicals.1 However, these studies are incomplete in confirming these claims.

Lychee is a delicious fruit with fantastic benefits for your skin! It might help fight against signs of ageing and even reduce the effects of sunburn. Regular lychee consumption may help remove blemishes and promote a more even skin tone.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to eat Lychee:

Lychee is a sweet fruit that can be enjoyed fresh. It is also available in the form of juices and dried fruits.1

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking lychee or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medicine treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a competent doctor.  

Did you know that lychee is also beneficial for hair? Yes, it might promote hair growth and give your locks a beautiful shine!

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Possible Side Effects of Lychee:

Consuming lychee in excessive amounts may lead to side effects but in rare cases. Some people may develop adverse reactions like –

  • Skin itching
  • Swelling in the throat
  • Swelling of the lips
  • Urticaria (skin rash)
  • Loose motions1

If you notice these side effects, contact your doctor for treatment. Also, please consult your healthcare provider before using lychee fruit or any other herb for its health benefits. This will help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Lychee has potential benefits for eye health, such as preventing cataracts. Furthermore, due to its mineral content, it may also promote strong and healthy bones.

Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS

Things to Keep in Mind Before Eating Lychee

1. Precautions for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:

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.

2. Precautions for Children:

There is insufficient information on lychee consumption in infants. Therefore, the usage of this fruit should be avoided in infants.

3. Precautions for People on Medication:

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.

Interactions of Lychee with Other Drugs:

Lychee is known to lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, people taking drugs that 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.

Lychee Can Also Interact with Drugs Like:

  • Anticancer agents
  • Anti-inflammatory agents
  • Medications meant to treat heart diseases
  • Pain relievers
  • Drugs that modify the immune system
  • Drugs that reduce blood lipid levels

If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions with food or medicine. This will help you make well-informed choices and avoid unwanted side effects.

From supporting heart health and boosting immunity to enhancing skin health, lychee offers multiple benefits when consumed in moderation. However, like any other fruit, it’s essential to enjoy it mindfully, considering its natural sugar content and potential side effects. Whether you eat it fresh, blend it into smoothies, or add it to sweet dishes, lychee can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. Indulge in this juicy superfruit and reap its many benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are the health benefits of eating lychee fruit?

Lychee fruit has many health benefits. It is suitable for your heart, liver, and brain health. It is also effective against diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Its antioxidant activity can protect from free radical damage.1 However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using lychee or other food against certain disease conditions.

Is lychee good for health?

Lychee fruit contains certain nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fibre. It also has many vitamins and minerals.2 Together, these are highly beneficial for health.  

What are the benefits of lychee for the heart?

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.

Does lychee cause any side effects?

Lychee can cause allergic reactions in some people. These allergic reactions include itching and rash on the skin, lips and throat swelling, and diarrhoea. If you notice these reactions after eating lychee, 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.

Is lychee good for diabetes?

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.

What does lychee taste like?

Lychee has a sweet and floral flavour 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.

Does lychee have sugar?

Yes, lychee contains natural sugar, which contributes to its sweet taste. On average, a single lychee fruit has about 1.5 grams of sugar, and a cup of lychee contains approximately 29 grams of sugar.

Does lychee make you sleepy?

Lychee does not have specific properties that induce sleepiness. However, it contains vitamins and antioxidants that improve overall health and well-being. Individual reactions to foods can vary, but lychee is not commonly associated with inducing sleepiness.

Does lychee have vitamin C?

Yes, lychee is rich in vitamin C. One cup of fresh lychee provides over 100% of the recommended daily take. It is a good source of this essential nutrient, which supports immune function, skin health, and overall wellness.

Does lychee have potassium?

Yes, lychees contain potassium. A serving of fresh lychee provides moderate potassium, which is essential for maintaining proper muscle, nerve, and fluid balance in the body.

Can lychee make you sick?

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 or lychees contaminated with pesticides can have adverse effects. It is generally safe to consume lychees in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is lychee acidic or alkaline?

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 flavour.

Is lychee good for weight loss?

Lychee can be a good addition to a weight-loss diet due to its low calories and high water content, which can help with hydration and satiety. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health. However, it is also relatively high in natural sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Is lychee safe during pregnancy?

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.

Is lychee a citrus food?

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 flavour, distinct from the tart and tangy taste typical of citrus fruits.

Can you eat lyche seeds?

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 fruit’s juicy flesh is safe and nutritious.

Can lychee cause acidity?

Yes, lychee can 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.

Can babies eat lychee? 

Babies can eat lychee, but it should be introduced at least once they are 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.

References:

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/ 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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