10 Surprising Benefits of Dragon Fruit You’ve Never Heard of
10 Surprising Benefits of Dragon Fruit You’ve Never Heard of
Blog Article
- Source: medicalnewstoday.com
You must have seen a neon-pink, scaly fruit taking over your Instagram feed and inside the smoothie bowls. The fruit that is grabbing everyone’s attention recently with its vibrant pink scales and delicate white flesh, spotted with tiny black seeds, is Dragon fruit. Apart from being Instagram-worthy, the benefits of dragon fruit go beyond what meets the eye.
From mysterious antioxidants to gut-friendly fibre, this exotic fruit has much more to offer. It helps keep our digestive system running smoothly and fights off free radicals.
Do you know what magic a slice of dragon fruit will do if you add it to your morning routine? Boosting your immunity, making you glow inside and out, and sustaining steady energy levels all day.
Let’s understand why this exotic fruit is recommended by many nutritionists and find out the health benefits of dragon fruit on our body.
An Overview of Dragon Fruit
Native to Central and South America, dragon fruit comes from a cactus. And it looks just as Distinct as it sounds. Its vibrant skin, covered in green-tipped “scales,” gives it an almost fabulous vibe. The red variety is a bold pink in colour, while the yellow one is sunshine-bright in colour with smaller scales.
Dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus cactus. Which is also known as the Honolulu queen, whose flowers only bloom at night. It is called by many names, such as pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear.
Due to the exceptional look and nutritional benefits of dragon fruit, it has become popular among foodies and the health-conscious. It contains nutrients, prebiotic fibers, and other healthy substances.
Nutritional Profile of Dragon Fruit
Here is a breakdown of the healthy properties for a serving of 3.5 ounces, or 100 grams of dragon fruit.
| Calories | 57 |
| Protein | 0.36 grams |
| Fat | 0.14 grams |
| Carbs | 15 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Vitamin C | 5% of the DV |
| Iron | 1% of the DV |
| Magnesium | 2% of the DV |
Fascinating Benefits of Dragon Fruits:
1. Boosts Immunity
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, a powerful immune booster that helps your body fend off infections. It also contains carotenoids and essential minerals like iron, which aid in producing healthy white blood cells.
2. Supports Digestion
Due to its high fiber content, dragon fruit keeps your digestive system happy. It promotes regular bowel movements and supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria, especially due to its natural prebiotics.
3. Promotes Heart Health
Dragon fruit is low in cholesterol and high in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly from its tiny black seeds. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and can contribute to balanced blood pressure levels, supporting a healthier heart.
4. Provides Antioxidant Benefits
Loaded with antioxidants like betalains, vitamin C, and flavonoids, dragon fruit helps neutralize free radicals. The unstable molecules that contribute to ageing and disease. These antioxidants protect your cells from oxidative stress.
5. Enhances Skin Health
6. Cancer Prevention Potential
Dragon fruit contains natural compounds like betacyanins and lycopene, both of which have been studied for their potential to slow the growth of certain cancer cells by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in the body.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
If you’re dealing with joint pain or chronic inflammation, dragon fruit might help. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce swelling and discomfort, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
8. Boosts Cognitive Function
Packed with iron and B vitamins, dragon fruit supports oxygen flow to the brain and helps maintain healthy nerve function. The result? Sharper focus, better memory, and potentially lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
9. Slows Down the Ageing Process
Free radicals speed up ageing, but dragon fruit’s antioxidants help fight them off. Regular consumption may improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and support overall cell regeneration for a more youthful appearance.
10. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Dragon fruit has a low glycemic index and is rich in fiber, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Some studies suggest it may even help improve insulin sensitivity. This is great news for people managing diabetes or prediabetes.
Also Read: 9 Unusual Fruits to try right now!
Adverse Effects:
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience itching, swelling, or hives. If you have food allergies, use caution.
- Digestive Issues: Too much can cause bloating, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort due to its high fiber content.
- Mild Laxative Effect: Its natural fiber can help with constipation, but may lead to loose stools if overconsumed.
- Medication Interactions: Dragon fruit may affect blood pressure or diabetes meds. Talk to your doctor if you’re on any.
- Kidney Stone Risk: Contains oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stones in sensitive individuals.
Healthy Dragon Fruit Recipes:
1. Dragon Fruit Shake
Ingredients:
- Banana cut into small pieces
- 1 full dragon fruit
- 1 glass of milk (250ml)
- 4 ½ glasses of water
- 3 spoonfuls of sugar (Optional)
- 2 Cashews (Optional)
How to Prepare:
- Step 1: Put the sliced banana and dragon fruit into the blender.
- Step 2: Pour a glass of milk (250ml) into a blender and add 3 spoons of sugar. Blend till it turns smooth. (If it appears thick, add water or more milk.)
- Step 3: Pour it into a glass and add crushed cashews to give it the final touches.
2. Dragon Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 dragon fruits neatly sliced
- ½ watermelon sliced into small pieces
- 1 banana cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of black grapes
How to Prepare:
- Step 1: Add sliced dragon fruit, bananas, watermelon, and grapes to a bowl.
- Step 2: Sprinkle some salt and pepper mix (optional).
- Step 3: You could add a scoop of ice cream to give you a rich taste.
Also Read: Most Healthy Potatoes and Their Nutritional Benefits
Conclusion:
Including Dragon fruit in your daily routine is an ideal way to tap into a powerhouse of nutrients.
Boosting your immunity, supporting digestion, and even promoting radiant skin are just a few benefits of dragon fruit. However, it also provides antioxidant benefits along with blood sugar regulation and cancer prevention.
This is more than just an Instagram-worthy fruit to post on your feed, it is a way to enhance your well-being naturally.
Though it does have a few cons, it can still offer more perks to any individual consuming it daily. So, start having one bite of this neon-pink, vibrant-looking fruit and witness the magic in your overall health.
FAQ:
1. What are the benefits of dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit contains vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production, promoting healthy, youthful-looking skin. The antioxidants and water content in the fruit also help keep the skin hydrated, reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Consuming dragon fruit regularly may give your skin a natural glow.
2. What happens if we eat dragon fruit daily?
Yes, you can eat dragon fruit every day as part of a balanced diet. Regular consumption can offer health benefits, such as improved digestion and boosted immune function.
3. Is dragon fruit high in sugar?
No, dragon fruit is not high in sugar. While it does contain natural sugars, it is considered a low-glycemic fruit with a moderate amount of sugar compared to many other fruits.