In recent years, “litchi” is often associated with “hypoglycemia”. Diabetic patients who do not know the reason consider this to be good news for themselves, so they buy a large amount of litchi. However, what they never expected is that the more litchi they eat, the lower their blood sugar levels get, but their overall health deteriorates.
“The more litchi you eat, the lower your blood sugar drops”? Should diabetic patients eat more litchi?
For diabetic patients, “maintaining good blood sugar levels” is a top priority. However, many diabetic patients misunderstand that lower blood sugar is better. In fact, they should beware of “diabetic hypoglycemia”.
Diabetic hypoglycemia refers to blood sugar levels below 3.9mmol/L, which can result from various causes leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Symptoms often include palpitations, tremors, sweating, hunger, anxiety, lack of mental focus, dizziness, and weakness. Be vigilant and promptly replenish energy to prevent more serious health risks.
Also, diabetic patients should be cautious about consuming litchi. Some individuals might not realize that litchi is just a fruit. Haven’t heard that litchi can lower blood sugar in diabetic patients?
Actually, as early as 2017, a study published in “The Lancet Global Health” found that consuming litchi can cause hypoglycemia, known as litchi disease, an acute neurological disease. Especially in immature litchi fruits, two toxins are present – methylene cyclopropyl glycine and hypoglycin A, the latter also known as the blood sugar-lowering factor A.
These toxins can affect the body’s sugar metabolism and exacerbate fasting hypoglycemia. This is why it is not advisable to eat litchi on an empty stomach.
Eating immature litchi, especially on an empty stomach, increases the risk of litchi disease, particularly among minors. Moreover, pay attention to the quantity consumed – it is highly discouraged to “eat 300 litchis a day”.
When it comes to the appropriate fruit consumption, the latest version of the “Chinese Dietary Guidelines for Residents” mentions that one should consume 200-350g of fruits daily, with litchi being recommended at around 10 fruits per day.
Individuals with special conditions, including the elderly, children, overweight individuals, and diabetic patients mentioned earlier, should pay attention to the amount of litchi consumed. If possible, consume less. For example, babies under 1 year of age are better off avoiding litchi consumption; adolescents should not exceed 5 litchis per day to prevent excessive sugar intake.
Furthermore, to avoid food safety issues, it is advisable to thoroughly soak and wash litchi before consumption to remove any pesticides or preservatives on the surface.
