In this article, we will give information about the benefits of Dragon fruit. Knowing the benefits of Dragon fruit, you will eat Dragon and here we will tell you about the side effects of Dragon apart from the benefits of Dragon, so read this article till the end for information about Dragon fruit.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit with a bright red exterior and a delicious, seed-flecked flesh. Its unique shape and purported super food abilities have made it famous among foodies and the health-conscious.
Dragon fruit is a cactus-based fruit that has several health benefits such as lowering the risk of a blood sugar increase, helping with digestion, and so on. This fruit acquired its name because it resembles a dragon.
This exotic fruit is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich alternative to many other fruits. It has a moderate flavor and a texture that is similar to a hybrid between a pear, a passion fruit, and a Dragon.
Dragon Fruit
Originating in Central America, dragon fruit is known as a “superfood” because of its high nutritional and antioxidant content. The skin of this tropical fruit boasts a brilliant pinkish-red color.
Dragon fruit is a fruit that grows on the hylocereus climbing cactus, which may be found in tropical places all over the world. The plant’s name is derived from the Greek words “hyle,” which means “woody,” and “cereus,” which means “waxen.”
The fruit resembles a bright pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting out around it like flames. It’s a lovely brilliant red fruit with green scales that resembles a dragon. It is high in nutrients and tastes wonderful.
The best way to enjoy dragon fruit is to eat it raw. Add it to fruit bowl or sprinkle it with honey to make a fast snack. It blends nicely with various flavors, it is also widely used to mix up mocktails and other cocktails.
According to research, eating dragon fruit daily may help manage diabetes, improve heart health, and regulate cholesterol. It is also available in powder form, which may be used to flavor yoghurt and smoothies.
Dragon Fruit Nutrition Facts
Dragon fruit is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. It also has a significant amount of dietary fiber. Its nutritional composition is high in vitamin C, E, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. Here is a nutrition fact for this unusual yet extremely nutritious fruit.
Here’s a rundown of the main nutrients in a one-cup serving (227 grams):
- Calories: 136
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 29 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugars: 13 grams
- Iron: 8% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI
Dragon Fruit Benefits
Dragon fruit is high in vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants, so eating it on a regular basis can enhance health and well-being.
Dragon fruit tastes like a cross between Dragon and pear. This tropical fruit offers several health benefits, which is why including it in daily diet. Here are some of the potential dragon fruit health benefits to be aware of:
1. Helps weight loss
Dragon fruit is low in calories and sugar and may be eaten as a snack in between meals to help you control binge eating. Dragon fruit’s rich fiber and water content might also help you feel fuller for longer.
Dragon fruit will keep you full and satisfied for a longer period of time, limiting the need to eat more. This fruit is also high in fiber, which helps to enhance metabolism and aid in weight reduction.
2. Promotes gut health
Dragon fruit is considered beneficial for digestion because it is rich in fiber. The fruit may increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is linked to a healthy digestive tract. Dragon fruit promotes the growth of the probiotic bacteria lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
It includes prebiotics, which are foods that nourish the good bacteria in gut known as probiotics. Increasing intake of prebiotics can help to enhance the balance of good to harmful bacteria in your intestines. They also aid with digestion.
3. Improves Your Immune System
A Dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect immune system against a number of ailments, including infections, flu, and the cold. The antibacterial properties of dragon fruit support white blood cells and aid in the fight against infections and other diseases.
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system’s ability to fight the body against external invaders such as bacteria and germs, and free radicals. Dragon fruit can help remove free radicals from the body.
4. Enhances Heart Health
Dragon fruit with red pulp includes betalains which lowers harmful cholesterol. The fruit’s small dark black seeds are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are excellent for the heart and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Dragon fruit keeps the arteries healthy, allowing proper blood flow to and from the heart. It increases and maintains healthy heart rate. It aids in the improvement of people’s cardiovascular health. This fruit may reduce chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
5. Promotes Skin Health
Dragon fruit may aid in the reduction of age spots, wrinkles, dry skin, and acne. The vitamin C and antioxidants in the berry provide possible skin benefits. These vitamins and minerals can help to heal cell damage gradually, giving in a more youthful appearance.
Dragon fruit has the potential to improve the appearance of the skin. It contains a lot of vitamin C, which is essential for skin health. This fruit can help minimize sunburn and prevent infection in the burned area.
6. Lowers Cancer Risks
Dragon fruit extract may be useful in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Dragon fruit contains bioactive compounds that can influence cancer-causing processes such as cancer metabolism. This fruit has anti-cancer properties that can lower the risk of colon cancer.
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, which functions as an antioxidant. Lycopene, an antioxidant contained in dragon fruit, helps the body eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. The bioactive chemicals found in dragon fruit have the potential to alter particular carcinogenic processes such as cancer metabolism.
7. Reduces inflammation
Dragon fruit antioxidants function by neutralizing free radicals and decreasing inflammation. The fruit’s anti-inflammatory qualities may give relief from discomfort and inflammation. This fruit can be used as a natural pain reliever for symptoms of chronic pain. Even if it does not entirely relieve pain, it may lower the intensity of the inflammation, allowing living a better life.
How to Use Dragon Fruit
While the thick, leathery skin of dragon fruit might be daunting, eating this fruit is relatively straightforward.
The following is how to consume fresh dragon fruit:
- Cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Cut the fruit into cubes by cutting vertical and horizontal lines into the pulp without cutting into the skin.
- Push on the back of the skin to reveal the cubes and remove them with fingers or a spoon.
- To eat, mix it into salads, smoothies, or yoghurt, or simply munch on it on its own.
Dragon fruit is also available frozen, pre-peeled and cut into cubes, in some grocery stores. This is a quick alternative for a pleasant snack that is high in nutrients.
Dragon fruit is surprisingly easy to cook and can be eaten alone or mixed with salads, smoothies and yogurt.
Dragon Fruit Side Effects
Dragon fruit is generally safe to consume. Rarely, patients suffer allergic responses with symptoms such as rashes, itching, nausea, and mouth swelling.
The Symptoms include tongue swelling, hives, and vomiting. This sort of response appears to be quite unusual. There have been very few reports of allergic reactions to dragon fruit. The Signs of allergy might include:
- Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips or tongue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Wheezing
However, if you have an adverse response to it, get medical attention. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether big amounts of dragon fruit may interfere with any drugs you are taking.
Also more: kiwi fruit benefits
Summary
Dragon fruit is a one-of-a-kind exotic fruit that has numerous health benefits. It is a superfood that has the potential to improve overall health and well-being. It tastes great, adds color to your meal, and provides critical nutrients, pre-biotic fibers, and beneficial plant chemicals in a low-calorie serving.
Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit with less sugar and carbohydrates than many other tropical fruits. Overall, dragon fruit is distinct, delicious, and may bring diversity to your diet.
The best part is that dragon fruit can be consumed in any form including raw, smoothies, salad dressing etc. If you want to diversify fruit diet, dragon fruit is a delightful alternative with several possible health benefits.