Dragon fruit is a type of cactus (cactus-based fruit), belongs to the family Cactaceae, native to Mexico and some parts of Central and South America, and more frequently seen in Asian-countries markets. Vietnam is the largest producer of dragon fruit in the world. This fruit is also known by different names which include Pitaya, Night Blooming Cereus, Belle of the night, Moon lovers, Strawberry Pear, and others.
The taste of this fruit is described as a mixture of Pear, Kiwi, and watermelon. The fruit’s texture has white pulp and tiny black seeds inside and is the same as Oreo smoothie. Superfood, i.e., this dragon fruit is rich in vitamin E, C, magnesium, calcium, iron, fibre, calories, and proteins. Daily intake of this fruit can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve the immune system.
10 Incredible Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Promotes Healthy Heart
Dragon fruit with red pulp contains betalains that lower Low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol in the body. Dragon fruit with black tiny seeds inside are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-9 fatty acids, that aids in a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart diseases, also improves blood circulation.
Boost Immunity
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, the same as lemons, oranges. Vitamin C helps to strengthen our body’s immune system, by stimulating antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants, detect free radicals and eliminate them from the body, ultimately reduce the risk of cancer. Intake of dragon fruit regularly, prevents bacterial and viral infections, as this fruit is packed with essential minerals and vitamins like Niacin, Vitamin B1, Iron, phosphorous, calcium, and Phyto-albumin.
Dragon Fruit can help you Look Younger
Intake of Dragon fruit juice (smoothie) regularly, may lower the signs of aging. This fruit is a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, that can protect you from harmful sun rays, treat sunburn and dry skin, promote bright skin, acne-free, and wrinkle-free skin, smooth skin and help you to look young than your age. Phosphorus present in dragon fruit, repairs damaged cells and rejuvenate skin cells.
Strengthen Bones as well as Teeth
As we know dragon fruit is packed with vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous, which are responsible for bone and tooth development. Daily intake of this fruit can prevent osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, joint pains and increase bone mass, density and also strengthen teeth. Dragon fruit intake improves bone health as it is rich in magnesium.
Treats Dengue
Low platelet count leads to disease such as dengue, if it is not treated in time, results in severe complications and sometimes death. Platelets are responsible for blood clots in injured areas, to stop bleeding. Intake of antioxidant-rich foods like Pitaya, Papaya may increase platelet count, improve the immune system, thus lower the risk of dengue, keeps you away from diseases.
Good for Hair
If you want black, thick, and shiny hair? Then, try a mixture of Pitaya’s powder and milk (a glass), once a day. Dragon fruit is a great source of nutrients, thus improve hair texture and reduce hair damage (which is caused by artificial coloring), and make your hair soft, silky, and shiny.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer
According to studies, Pitaya fruit able to reduce the multiplication of cancerous cells, as it contains anti-cancer or anti-carcinogenic properties. Dragon fruit contains lycopene and carotene, which helps to prevent tumors formation. On daily consumption of dragon fruit can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. As we know this superfood, is high in vitamin C, that can boost your immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant, so prevent chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, cancer and many other.
Prevents Diabetes
Dragon fruit contains carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, thiols, and glucosinolates, which regulate blood sugar levels in the body. This fruit is high in fiber content may reduce glucose levels in the blood. Regular consumption of pitaya’s fruit maintains blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Improves Digestion
Pitaya fruit is a good source of oligosaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, that helps in the development of good bacteria, that promotes smooth digestion. Daily intake of this fruit can improve digestion, as it is rich in fiber.
Prevent Anemia
Iron deficiency and lack of hemoglobin lead to anemia. Dragon fruit is rich in iron content, and also high in vitamin C, which may help your body to absorb more iron. Intake of this fruit regularly increases iron and hemoglobin levels in the body, thus prevents anemia naturally.
Conclusion
Dragon fruit is the potential in reducing bad cholesterol, which helps to maintain a healthy heart. Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, and vital vitamins, minerals, that may reduce the risk of several diseases including, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, constipation, glycemia, dengue, and many other.
Daily intake of this fruit, can boost immunity. This dragon fruit, strengthen your bones as well as teeth. Intake of this fruit powder with milk, promote healthy and glowing skin. Daily consumption of this fruit, is also beneficial to your hair. To lead a healthy life, I personally recommend you add this fruit to your diet.
