Dragon fruit, named for its spiky, vibrant skin, is also known as pitaya and is primarily grown in Mexico and South and Central America. It can also be found in Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Thailand and is a staple for Asian-inspired cooking.
One fruit can weigh between 150 and 600g, but with its thick covering, only about 60 percent is edible. To enjoy this fruit, it is best to eat the creamy pulp cold. The middle part is the sweetest and after cutting the fruits in half, you just have to spoon the flesh out.
Nutritional Value of Dragon fruit (Pitaya)
A 100 gr fruit only has 60 calories: 18 calories from unsaturated fat, 8 calories from protein and 34 calories from carbohydrates. The fruit doesn’t contain complicated carbohydrates, so they can easily be separated through the entire body. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, the B vitamins, carotene, protein, high amounts of calcium, iron and phosphorus. The seeds are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Boosts the immune system
One of the most beneficial aspects of dragon fruit is its ability to give you a significant boost to your body’s defense system. The high levels of vitamin-C that can be found in this fruit are one of the strongest assets to your body’s immune system, as they stimulate the activity of other essential antioxidants in the body as well. They actively seek out and eliminate free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cell metabolism, which have been directly associated to potentially fatal conditions like cancer, strokes and cataracts.
Nervous system
The high B Vitamin content in pitaya supports the formation and maintenance of a few of the most basic structures in the nervous system. It helps during the formation of nerve cells, making us more alert, so that we can experience higher levels of mental clarity. Calcium is also essential in enhancing the functioning of the nervous system. It keeps our nerves healthy and protects their ability to communicate effectively. The healthy fats in this fruit are also necessary to help nourish and protect the myelin sheath which allows proper conductive signalling in the brain.
Cardiovascular health
It contains no cholesterol and hardly any unhealthy, cholesterol-producing fats. When you reduce the amount of LDL in the blood, your chances of developing plaque buildup in the arteries and veins is lower. The seeds contain positive types of fat, which can cause HDL cholesterol, that actively lower the amount of LDL cholesterol, by reducing the receptors that hold onto the walls of the arteries.
Treats acne
Not only is this fruit a natural anti-inflammatory food, it is also an outstanding choice for topical application to soothe sunburned skin and acne eruptions! Scoop out the fruit and mash into a paste. Apply the paste on the irritated skin and keep it for 10 minutes. Wash it off with cool water and pat dry. This skin solution is safe to use several times a day.
High source of potassium (K)
It is loaded with essential minerals, particularly potassium and calcium, which help in maintaining bone structure. Regular consumption of K is extremely vital for electrical, cellular, nervous functions of our body. In simpler words, K plays a key role in maintaining water content, pH or acid balance in our body. According to a research conducted by Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan, if you are a diabetic, having a diet rich in K may help you protect your heart and kidney.
Cancer prevention
Along with the antioxidant protection of vitamin-C, which helps boost the immune system, dragon fruit contains other sources of natural antioxidants. Carotene is another important component of pitaya which has been associated to a number of anti-carcinogenic qualities, as well as reducing the size of tumors. Basically, this fruit boosts your immune system from every direction, so if you feel like you’re usually getting sick or feeling under the weather, or even if you are at a high risk of developing cancer, pitaya might be the answer for you.
Improves digestion and metabolism
It is incredibly high in fiber! The fiber content helps regulate our digestion and prevents diarrhea and constipation. Keeping your stomach full for hours after you have eaten is one issue facing those who want to lose weight. This exotic fruit will not only keep you satisfied for longer periods of time, but it will help improve your metabolic rate, assisting with weight management. This fruit also regulates blood sugar levels (again, due to its high fiber content), and helps your body avoid experiencing sugar spikes that you would normally get from eating white refined sugary sweets (donuts, cookies, cakes, etc.).
Good for bones and blood
With its iron and calcium content, this amazing fruit is also good for your blood and bones. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations recognizes the dragon fruit as a fruit of „high nutritional value” due to its calcium content. This exotic fruit is an even better source of iron, one fruit meeting 8% of the daily value. In addition to promoting bone health, calcium is essential for proper muscle function and nerve transmission. Iron, on the other hand, is essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body. The fruit’s high vitamin C content enhances the body’s ability to absorb more iron from the fruit.
Conclusion
It is a very exciting alternative to the fruits you’re usually eating. Of course, there is no need to start consuming dragon fruit as if your life would depend on it, but its taste, its health benefits and even its appearance makes this fruit a heavenly treat, especially in the warmer months of the year.
Image source – autumnscopperpot.blogspot.com
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