Vải thiều, a delicacy among the fruits of Vietnam’s summer, captivates not only with its sweet and juicy flavor but also its abundant health benefits, including a boost of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, despite its nutritional prowess, this fruit is believed to possess a heating property, according to traditional Eastern medicine. Overeating can lead to internal heat, resulting in issues like acne, mouth ulcers, or skin irritation. So, how can one indulge in this seasonal treat without worrying about these potential side effects? This article reveals expert-recommended tips to safely enjoy lychees while maintaining your health and clear skin.
Secrets to Enjoying Lychees Without the Heat
1. Practice Moderation
One of the most important rules when it comes to lychees is moderation. As advised by polyclinic physician Bùi Đắc Sáng from the Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association, adults should consume no more than 8-10 lychees at a time, while children should be limited to 3-4. This prevents overwhelming your body with high sugar intake, reducing the risk of internal heat and acne breakouts. Especially for those with yin deficiency, internal heat, or existing conditions like diabetes and chickenpox, it’s best to exercise caution and limit lychee consumption.
2. Eat the White Membrane
A folk tip endorsed by many experts is to consume the lychees with the white membrane surrounding the aril. According to Ha Tinh newspaper, this membrane possesses a cooling property, neutralizing the heat of the lychee and reducing the chances of a ‘heat rush’. Although the membrane has a slightly astringent taste, including it in your consumption provides additional vitamins and minerals while cooling the body. Similarly, the white part at the tip of the seed also has a cooling effect, helping to balance the heat intake.
3. Pre-meal Cooling Drinks
To minimize the risk of internal heat, consider drinking diluted salt water, cold herbal tea, winter melon soup, or mung bean soup before indulging in lychees. As shared by physician Bùi Hồng Minh, former Chairman of Ba Dinh Oriental Medicine Association in Hanoi, in the Tuoi Tre Cuoi newspaper, “Salt water helps prevent the generation of internal heat and is suitable to consume with heating fruits like lychees.” These drinks not only cool the body but also aid in cleansing the intestines and reducing the accumulation of toxins that can cause acne.
4. Soak Lychees in Diluted Salt Water
Before eating, soak the lychees in diluted salt water for about 15-20 minutes. According to Reviews365, this method not only helps remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues from the lychee skin but also reduces the fruit’s heating property. After soaking, remember to keep the white membrane intact when peeling to maximize the cooling effect.
5. Timing is Key
The time of consumption also plays a significant role in preventing internal heat. ThS.BS Doãn Thị Tường Vi, former Head of Nutrition at Hospital 198, advises in the Kinh Te & Do Thi newspaper, “Avoid eating lychees on an empty stomach as the high sugar content can stimulate the gastric mucosa, causing pain, inflammation, or ‘lychee drunkenness’ symptoms like dizziness and nausea.” It’s best to enjoy lychees 2 hours after a meal when your body has already absorbed sufficient nutrients from the food, thus reducing the impact of the fruit’s heating property.
6. Balance with a Cooling Diet
To minimize the chances of acne breakouts, pair lychee consumption with a cooling diet. According to Kenh 14 newspaper, dishes like mung bean soup, winter melon soup, or bitter gourd not only cool the body but also provide moisture to the skin, helping to control sebum production and prevent acne. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking enough water daily is a simple way to maintain skin moisture and enhance metabolism.
