CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Scientists from the U.S. and India have found that consumption of litchi fruit and skipping evening meal can result in very low blood glucose level and acute encephalopathy, seizures and coma, and causes death in many cases.

Detailed explanation-2: -MCPG is found in unripe litchi fruit and depletes glucose reserves in the body, making it more fatal for undernourished children, triggering encephalitis-related deaths.

Detailed explanation-3: -Symptoms: Young trees of litchi, often below five-year age, wilt in less than a week time. The first symptoms appear as yellowing of foliage, drooping leaves followed by gradual wilting and drying, leading to complete death of the plant within 4-5 days.

Detailed explanation-4: -In 2012-2013, a two-member team headed by virologist Dr. T. Jacob John suspected, and confirmed the next year, a toxin found in litchi fruit that was responsible for causing hypoglycaemic encephalopathy. In 2017, an India-U.S. team confirmed the role of the toxin called methylene cyclopropyl glycine (MCPG).

Detailed explanation-5: -Yes, in moderation. While lychees are a good source of a few important nutrients, they can be harmful if eaten in excess, particularly for underweight children. Lychees are high in vitamin C and polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that promote immune function and healthy cells.