Sweet Dangers Behind Lychee, 3 Suggestions for Safely and Healthily Consuming Litchi Fruit

Lychee, also known as litchi, is a sweet tropical fruit that belongs to the Soapberry family (Sapindaceae), which contains two types of toxins that can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and other symptoms, especially in people who consume large amounts of unripe or under-ripe lychee fruit on an empty stomach. These toxins are called hypoglycin A and methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG).

Hypoglycin A, which is found in the seeds and pulp of lychee fruit, inhibits the body's ability to synthesize glucose, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels. This can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and even death. The effects of hypoglycin A are often more pronounced in children, who have a lower glycogen reserve and are therefore more susceptible to hypoglycemia.

MCPG, on the other hand, is found mainly in the unripe fruit and leaves of lychee trees. It inhibits the action of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, which is responsible for breaking down complex sugars into glucose. As a result, the body is unable to metabolize carbohydrates properly, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and other toxic byproducts. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypoglycemia.

To avoid the risk of hypoglycemia and other adverse effects, it is recommended to consume lychee fruit in moderation and not on an empty stomach. It is also important to avoid eating unripe or under-ripe lychee fruit, because they contain higher levels of hypoglycin A and MCPG. If symptoms of hypoglycemia or other discomfort do occur after consuming lychee fruit, you can drink a cup of concentrated sugar water to help raise blood sugar levels and seek medical attention immediately.

We would like to offer the following 3 suggestions for safely and healthily consuming lychee:

1. Eat lychee in moderation, and do not eat too much.

2. Do not eat lychee on an empty stomach.

3. Do not eat unripe or under-ripe lychee.