Yes, lychee seeds are considered poisonous and should not be consumed. The seeds contain toxic compounds, including hypoglycin A and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG), which can interfere with the body’s ability to produce glucose, potentially leading to serious health issues, especially when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach.

While the fleshy fruit of lychee is delicious and safe to eat, it’s important to discard the seed and avoid ingesting it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Why Lychee Seeds Are Toxic:

• Hypoglycin A and MCPG can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, confusion, or even more serious neurological conditions.
• There have been reports of toxicity, particularly in malnourished children who consumed large amounts of unripe lychee fruits, leading to outbreaks of acute encephalitis in certain parts of the world.

How to Safely Enjoy Lychees:

• Peel the skin of the lychee.
• Discard the seed and only eat the sweet, fleshy fruit.
• Avoid unripe lychees, as they contain higher levels of these toxic compounds.

Enjoy lychees responsibly, and always remember to discard the seeds!