Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. Striking in both shape and color, it definitely gets one’s curiosity flowing. Dragon fruit has a very subtle, sweet flavor reminiscent of melon with a texture similar to kiwi. The taste doesn’t pack a big punch like its looks. If eaten before they are ripe, they taste bland and a bit sour. Once ripe, they taste ever so slightly sweet and syrupy.
Where Did Dragon Fruit Come From?
Dragon fruit originated in central Mexico, South America and Central America. According to the “Encyclopedia of Fruits and Nuts,” dragon fruit sites dates back 2,300 years ago to pre-Colombian settlements. When Europeans traveled to the New World and obtained the seeds, they then carried the fruit with them to Taiwan. In 1870, the French introduced dragon fruit to Vietnam after discovering it in either Guyana or Nicaragua.
Description Of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti with stems that reach up to 6 meters long. The fruits are oval to oblong in shape, weighing about 8-12 ounces and averaging 10-15 centimeters in length. They have a pink or magenta peel with green scale-like leaves, and white flesh that is dotted with tiny edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi.
Types Of Dragon Fruit
- Yellow dragon fruit
- Red dragon fruit
- Red dragon fruit with white interior
Nutritional Value Of Dragon Fruit
These fun-looking fruits contain around 60 calories each and are rich in vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit
- Lowers cholesterol – Dragon fruit has low content of cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fats. Intake this fruit helps to refresh and maintains heart health for long run. It is helpful for those people who are trying to lose weight. Seeds contain omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats which is helpful for wellbeing. In addition to numerous antioxidants, Dragon fruit makes a great choice to counteract harmful levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Boost immunity – Dragon fruit is loaded with flavonoids and Vitamin C which is helpful for immune system. It has high content of antioxidants which eliminates free radicals. It also contains Vitamin B2, B1, B3, phosphorus, calcium, protein, iron, fiber and niacin which maintains healthy immune system. Dragon fruit have impressive amounts of macronutrients. The study shows observed flavonoid and polyphenol and its effects on several cancer cell lines from the extract of peel and flesh of white and red dragon fruit.
- Digestive health – It is known to all that fiber supports digestion which could be obtained from Dragon fruit. It assists with the movement of bowels. It also prevents constipation and IBS problems. More fiber could be obtained from the skin of Dragon fruit. It has oligosaccharides which support digestion as it acts as probiotics that promotes digestion and gut health. Functional compounds such as probiotics in diet help to prevent cancer, obesity, vascular disease, hypersensitivity and degenerative ailments.
- Prevent diabetes – Fiber content assists with digestion. It also helps to stabilize levels of blood sugar and normalizes blood sugar. This fruit prevents spikes of sugar after consumption of high glycemic index foods. Study shows that positive results have been observed on oxidative stress which suggests the consumption in lowering issues related with diabetes. Further research is conducted to examine the benefits of insulin resistance on obese mice found that consumption of Dragon fruit lowers the chances of diabetes and diabetes symptoms.
- Healthy heart – The study shows that Dragon fruit lowers bad cholesterol by promoting good cholesterol which makes it a great cholesterol lowering food. Additionally, being a great source of monounsaturated fats, it maintains healthy heart. The tiny seeds found in Dragon fruit are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The research shows that Omega-6s and Omega-3s could lower triglycerides reducing the chances of cardiovascular problems.
- Slows down aging process – Antioxidants in form of Vitamin C helps to make skin firm and tight providing a youthful appearance. Moreover, phosphorus found in Dragon fruit promotes anti-aging properties. Phosphorus is a vital mineral found in every body cells that makes about one percent of total body weight. As it is found in every cell, it effectively repairs cells which is vital for youthfulness of skin and prevents premature aging.
- Prevents cancer – Dragon fruit have phytoalbumin, Vitamin C and minerals which makes its highly valuable for its antioxidant activities and cancer preventing properties. It assists in preventing cancers due to the content of lycopene. Lycopene are also present on tomatoes which offers rich color and results obtained from studies shows that it might contain chemo preventive effects for breast, prostate, liver, lung and skin cancer. Another study show that cancerous cells when treated with lycopene significantly lowered. The evaluation of cancer showed a reduction in cancerous cell numbers after treating from lycopene. Dragon fruit is a cancer fighting food due to the content of lycopene.
- Boost metabolism – Protein is essential for the healthy functions of body to carry out. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of protein. The protein are metabolized by enzymes of the body and converted into usable proteins that speeds up repair of cells, promote metabolism, strength and assist to lose weight and promotes muscle mass.
- Prevent bacteria – Dragon fruit has antibacterial and antifungal properties which boost immune system. It increases the count of white blood cells in the body that defends body from toxins and also inhibits growth of bacterial and fungal infections in organ systems. It also stimulates regeneration of cells and speeds up healing process of bruises and wounds faster.
- Treats acne – Being a great source of Vitamin C, Dragon fruit is helpful in treating acne problems. Consuming the fruit also lowers the occurrence of acne. Apply the paste of pulp over affected area and wash it after 20 to 25 minutes. It will assist to heal the acne faster.
Precautions:
- Consume Dragon fruit in moderate amounts.
- Due to high content of fructose levels, it should not be consumed in excess.
Culinary Uses Of Dragon Fruit
- Mix the juicy flesh with sugar or milk, use it in jellies, marmalades, soft drinks and ices.
- The syrup made from the fruit is used to color candy and pastries.
- Unopened flower buds are consumed as vegetable.
- Flowers are added to soups.
- It could be made into juice or sorbet.
About Dragon Fruit
- Dragon fruit is a delicious tropical fruit that’s definitely worth trying.
- It tastes amazing, offers a pop of color to your plate and supplies essential nutrients, prebiotic fibers and beneficial plant compounds — all in a low-calorie serving.
- If you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your fruit intake, dragon fruit is a delicious option with many potential health benefits.
Article References:
- https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/dragon-fruit/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dragon-fruit-benefits
- http://theindianvegan.blogspot.com/2012/10/all-about-dragon-fruit.html
- https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Dragon_Fruit_Pitaya_1439.php
