5 Health Benefits And Side Effects Of Overconsuming Litchi
Image Credit: Litchi | Image Credit: Unsplash.com

The summer season demands hydrating fruits such as watermelon, litchi, mangoes, and several others. Among these, what gains attention is the sweet and delightful fruit that is litchi. Bursting with juicy goodness, the fruit is a tempting treat enjoyed by people of all ages.  

Litchi is loaded with nutrients. Litchi is a rich source of many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Nutrients like potassium, fibre, protein, magnesium, and others are found in litchi. Consumption of litchi protects the brain and heart and is antioxidant in nature. However, we should be conscious of the potential consequences that may arise due to overconsumption.  

You can easily include litchi in ice cream or fruit bowls. You can also make litchi juice or milkshakes, which are great summer thirst quenchers. If you’re not a big fan of litchi, start liking it, as there are numerous health benefits.  

Check out five health benefits of litchi:

  • Helps In Digestion  

As the fruit is loaded with anti-inflammatory components and fibres, it helps smooth bowel movements. It promotes healthy digestion and gives relief from stomach issues like constipation.   

  • Boosts Immunity   

Litchi is filled with Vitamin C and has more than 100 percent of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid (ABA). ABA is an excellent boost to immunity. Plus, the presence of Vitamin C stimulates the activity of white blood cells and protects our body from foreign, harmful bacteria. 

  • Regulates Blood Pressure   

The fruit helps regulate the flow of fluid throughout the body. Besides being rich in potassium, litchi helps control blood pressure. Potassium reduces the compression of arteries and blood vessels and also helps maintain a healthy heart.   

  • Good For Blood Circulation   

The presence of copper is excellent for boosting blood circulation. Increased copper in the body helps in the formation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). RBCs carry oxygen throughout the body, and an increase in their number means faster oxygen flows to different parts of the body.   

Good For Skin And Hair   

Litchi is an excellent source of Vitamin E, which helps promote skin health and gives it a perfect glow. Vitamin E also helps heal sunburn and skin inflammation. Besides, the presence of copper in litchi promotes hair growth.   

However, overconsumption of litchi leads to several problems in the body. Thus, the fruit should be eaten with limitations. We have jotted down some of the problems that overconsumption of litchis may cause in the body.  

Here are the five side effects of overconsuming litchi:  

  • Obesity    

Litchis are natural sweeteners and contain fair amounts of sugar. Though consuming litchi is not a concern, overconsumption can lead to problems like obesity, tooth decay, and an increased risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes.  

  • Food Poisoning    

Consuming unripe litchi on an empty stomach can be disastrous for your health. Unripe litchi contains the toxins hypoglycin A and methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG) that may cause vomiting if consumed excessively.  

  • Low Blood Pressure    

Litchis are known to lower your blood pressure. However, overconsumption can cause a rapid fall in blood pressure, resulting in lethargy, fainting, and fatigue.  

  • Allergy Problem    

If you’re allergic, then overconsumption of litchi may be harmful. Litchi contains a significant amount of profilin. The fruit can cause severe anaphylactic reactions in patients who are sensitised against the plant pan-allergen profilin.  

  • Auto-Immune Disease  

As litchis are excellent sources of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, eating too much can cause our immune system to become hyperactive, which increases the risk of auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.