dragon fruit on a table
Foods & Drinks

Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

The dragon fruit, sometimes called pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit with a bright red exterior and a sweet, seed-speckled pulp. Its distinctive appearance and well-known superfood properties have made it popular among foodies and health-conscious people. In reality, it’s available fresh or frozen in supermarkets all around the world. Here are some evidence-based health benefits of dragon fruit.

Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

High in Nutrients

Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit  | High in Nutrients

Dragon fruit has a low calorie count but is high in vitamins and minerals. It also includes a significant amount of dietary fiber.

The main nutrients in a one-cup serving are listed below (227 grams):

  • Calories: 136
  • Protein: 3 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Fiber: 7 grams
  • Iron: 8% of the RDI
  • Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
  • Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
  • Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI

May Help Fight Chronic Disease

Free radicals are unstable chemicals that damage cells, resulting in inflammation and disease.

Eating antioxidant-rich foods like dragon fruit is one approach to combat this.

Antioxidants prevent cell damage and inflammation by neutralizing free radicals.

Antioxidant-rich diets may help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, according to research.
Several forms of powerful antioxidants can be found in ragon fruit, including:

  • Vitamin C: Observational studies have established a link between vitamin C consumption and the risk of cancer. For example, a research of 120,852 participants found that higher vitamin C intake was linked to a decreased risk of head and neck cancer.
  • Betalains are a type of protein found in plants. According to test-tube research, betalains can fight oxidative stress and may be able to decrease cancer cells.
  • Carotenoids are a type of antioxidant. The plant pigments beta-carotene and lycopene are responsible for the brilliant color of dragon fruit. Carotenoids-rich diets have been related to a lower incidence of cancer and heart disease.

Importantly, antioxidants are most effective when consumed organically in food rather than as a prescription or supplement. Antioxidant supplements can really be hazardous, therefore taking them without medical supervision is not advised.

Fill Up On Fiber

dragon fruit on a table

Eat a dragon fruit to help your digestive system. They’re high in fiber, which can help with constipation and poor digestion. The flesh and seeds, both of which are high in protein, will keep your body nourished and satiated.

Reduces the Risks of Cancer

One of the health benefits of dragon fruit is to reduce the risks of cancer. This fruit has anti-cancer qualities that can help prevent colon cancer. It contains a lot of vitamin C, which helps to improve the immune system. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps you avoid chronic diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.

Good For Heart

The crimson-colored pulp of the dragon fruit includes betalains (a pigment that gives the fruit its red color), which lowers harmful cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). The fruit’s tiny dark black seeds are high in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are beneficial to the heart and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fights Ageing Skin

Stress, pollution, and other variables such as poor food, among others, can hasten the aging process. It is, however, high in antioxidants, which can help with sunburn, dry skin, and acne. Its vitamin C content can help you have brighter skin. For glowing skin, make dragon fruit juice and drink it once a day.

Promotes a Healthy Gut

There are 100 trillion different microorganisms in your stomach, including over 400 different bacteria species.
Many scientists believe that this microbial ecosystem has an impact on your health. In both human and animal research, gastrointestinal abnormalities have been linked to illnesses such as asthma and heart disease.

Due to the presence of prebiotics in dragon fruit, it has the ability to increase the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Prebiotics are a form of fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in your intestine.

Your gut is unable to break down these fibers, as it is with all fibers. The bacteria in your gut, on the other hand, can digest them. They use the fiber as a source of energy, and you receive the rewards.

Treating Colored Hair

The juice of the dragon fruit is an effective treatment for colored hair. You can protect your chemically treated or colored hair by simply rubbing the juice or a conditioner containing dragon fruit on your scalp. The hair follicles will remain open, allowing your hair to breathe and stay healthy and silky.

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