Dragon fruit, otherwise known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a very nutritious fruit with pink peel, white or red pulp, and tiny black seeds and comes under the cactus family. This tropical fruit is called dragon fruit because of its dragon-like appearance. It includes vitamins, minerals, and multiple essential antioxidants for a healthy body. Moreover, dragon fruit is excellent for acne-prone skin; when applied topically, it works wonders for your inflamed skin. This fruit tastes like a combination of kiwi, watermelon, and pear. Its seeds have a nutty flavor. Originally popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America, it has now grown and is enjoyed worldwide. Besides, it also carries some significant health benefits; check out the same in detail below.
Types of Dragon Fruit
The fruit comes in four varieties, and all have tiny black seeds.
- White dragon fruit – has vibrant pink skin and white flesh.
- Red dragon fruit – has the same beautiful pink skin and red flesh.
- Yellow dragon fruit – has yellow skin and white flesh.
- Pink dragon fruit – has pink skin and purple flesh.
Nutritional value per 100 g
| Energy | 1,100 kJ (260 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 82.14 g |
| Sugars | 82.14 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 3.57 g |
| Vitamin C | 9.2 mg |
| Calcium | 107 mg |
| Sodium | 39 mg |
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
1. Promotes Heart Health
Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, which benefits in maintaining cholesterol levels. Besides, its potassium and iron content helps to enhance oxygenated blood circulation in our bodies. So, adding more can lower the risk of diverse types of heart disease, such as heart stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis, and enhances heart health.
2. Aids Weight Loss
Dragon fruit is an excellent choice for those who want to lose weight because it is rich in fiber that helps to keep you full and reduce over-eating at mealtimes, which leads to healthy weight loss. Additionally, betacyanin in dragon fruit reduces insulin resistance and the risk of fatty liver disease.
3. During Pregnancy
Iron deficiency can cause anemia during pregnancy. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of iron; consuming it during pregnancy can prevent anemia and increase your body’s hemoglobin levels. The availability of vitamin c in the dragon fruit aids your body take in and use iron. On the other hand, it also contains essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help in bone formation, blood circulation, and brain health.
4. Controls Blood Sugar
Controlling sugar for a diabetes patient is extremely important. Dragon fruit has abundant carotenoids, thiols, polyphenols, and glucosinolates. So, adding to your daily diet supports blood sugar control and prevents type 2 diabetes. It is also suitable for strengthening your immune system. The excellent source of vitamin C and carotenoids in the fruit shields your white blood cells from damage.
5. Good for Skin
Dragon fruit contains vitamin c and antioxidants that keep your skin glowing and prevent dullness. You can prepare an anti-aging mask by combining the fruit’s pulp with a spoon of honey, which keeps your skin healthy and tight. Regular application of the fruit can prevent free radicals from hurting the skin. Dragon fruit acts as a natural moisturizer due to the 80 percent of water, and regular intake can help prevent signs of aging and leave your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. Besides, niacin present in the fruit helps nourish your tresses and strengthens your hair follicles.
6. Stimulates Healthy Gut
Prebiotics in dragon fruit promotes the growth of healthy bacteria like lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the gut. Consuming these prebiotics may help to reduce the risk of infections in the digestive tract and signs such as diarrhea and constipation. Not only that, but it also helps enhance your vision.
Summary
Dragon fruit – you either eat it or apply it topically; this exotic fruit has a plethora of benefits for you. It is an excellent choice for those who want to lose weight because of its good source of water content, which is also beneficial for you to get young and smooth skin. For those who are experiencing constipation, try to add more to your daily diet. It is better for diabetes as it is low in sugar and has fewer carbs than other tropical fruits. So, add this to routines to get recommended health benefits to your body.
