Are lychee seeds edible? Know benefits and side effects of eating them; how to consume | Health

Sweet and juicy lychees are in season now. Nutrition experts recommend eating them in moderation to boost your overall health. But have you ever wondered if the black, shiny seeds of lychees have any uses or benefits? Lychee seeds have their own benefits. Lychee seed extract has a hypoglycemic effect, which helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels. It also contains compounds called saponins, which help in enhancing cognitive function. However, it is important to process lychee seeds properly before eating them, as raw lychee seeds may contain toxins that can dangerously lower blood sugar levels and cause poisoning. (Also Read: How Many Lychees Can You Eat A Day To Prevent Weight Gain? Surprising Benefits Of The Fruit, Best Time To Eat Them)

“Lychee, a tropical fruit loved for its juicy sweetness, has seeds hidden at its centre which are often discarded. However, these seeds have untapped potential for health benefits if processed correctly,” celebrity nutritionist and Ayurveda expert Shweta Shah said in an interview with HT Digital.

Are lychee seeds safe to eat?

“Raw litchi seeds contain a toxin called hypoglycin A, which can interfere with normal metabolic processes and lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels called hypoglycemia. Hence, it is dangerous to eat raw litchi seeds in their entirety. It is important to understand that raw litchi seeds should never be eaten due to the risk of poisoning,” Shah says.

How to properly process lychee seeds

If lychee seeds are properly processed, the harmful hypoglycin A can be neutralised and diluted, Shah said.

“The seeds can then be ground into a powder or turned into extracts, making them safe and beneficial for a variety of uses. Processing methods often include drying, roasting and soaking, which helps remove toxins,” adds the nutritionist.

Benefits of Lychee Seed Extract

Processed lychee seed extract has numerous health benefits, the main ones being:

1. Digestive Health: Lychee seed extract may help ease digestive issues and improve gut health.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect: This extract is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for conditions such as arthritis.

3. A wealth of antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, Lychee Seed Extract helps fight oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

4. Skin rejuvenation: When applied topically, lychee seed extract can help treat skin problems such as acne and breakouts. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties promote healthy, rejuvenated skin.

Take it in moderation

Lychee seed powder should be taken in moderation – the recommended dosage is one teaspoon or less per day. This will ensure you get the benefits without running the risk of side effects.

“The extract can be soaked in water and the resulting compound can be used in cosmetic formulations. The extract can also be applied directly on the skin to help treat various skin disorders,” Shah said.

“Though processed litchi seeds are highly beneficial, excessive consumption may lead to indigestion and recurrence of hypoglycin A-related problems such as hypoglycemia. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a medical professional before taking litchi seed supplements on a daily basis, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions,” the experts add.