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While the flesh of the lychee is edible, the rind and seeds are not.

The seeds can be toxic if consumed.

Though often eaten fresh, lychee can also be consumed as dried, canned, spiced, or pickled.

An image of ripe lychee fruit on a tree

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Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants help clearfree radicals(unstable molecules that can damage cells) from the body.

Lychee contains other antioxidants, includingpolyphenols,anthocyanins, andselenium.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that clears free radicals, which prevent the immune system from working well.

The fruit also contains B vitamins that supportgut microbiomehealth, an important immune system component, and antibody production.

Vitamin C increasescollagenand elastin production, which reduces signs of aging by improving skinelasticityand firmness.

These toxins can cause hypoglycemicencephalopathy(brain swelling because of deficient blood glucose levels).

Summary

Lychee is a tropical fruit popular in Southeast Asia that has various healthy nutrients.

Lychee is especially notable for its high vitamin C content.

However, consuming too much lychee has been linked to hypoglycemic encephalopathy, a potentially fatal condition.

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Encyclopedia Britannica.Lychee fruit.