Summer means scorching sun, fatigue and dehydration, and it is exactly at this time that sweet, juicy lychees arrive in the market. Lychee is exceptional not only for its taste but also for its nutrition. Still, this sweet fruit should not be eaten without some care. Here are some practical tips for eating lychee in the heat, so that the body stays healthy.

• Boosts immunity: lychee is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the body's resistance. Eating lychee regularly makes colds and infections less likely, and when the risk of viral fever or heatstroke is high, the fruit can be a key to freshness.
• Aids digestion: many people have digestive trouble in summer. The dietary fibre in lychee helps digest food quickly and reduces constipation. A few lychees can be eaten with an afternoon snack.
• Natural protection against dehydration: 80 per cent of a lychee is water, so it is very useful when the body is worn out by sweating in a heatwave. It maintains the body's fluids and relieves tiredness.
• Good for the skin: the antioxidants in lychee keep skin cells fresh and help repair sunburnt skin. Eating five or six lychees every morning gives the skin a natural glow.
• Helps prevent heart disease: the potassium in lychee keeps blood pressure under control and keeps the heart working. People with high blood pressure or heart disease can also eat lychee in moderation.
• Keeps the brain active: the vitamin B and copper in lychee improve neuron function, helping to refresh a brain tired by the heat. It can be a good natural booster for students and working people.

Do not eat a lot of lychee on an empty stomach; this can be dangerous, especially for children. Eating lychee on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycaemia, which may lead to fever, weakness and even fainting.

Lychee is high in natural sugar, so it is safest for people with diabetes to eat only limited amounts. Lychees treated with chemicals or only half-ripe should be avoided, as they can cause stomach problems.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.