I first came across dragon fruit while pursing the produce section of my local H.E.B. The bright magenta color, its slight oval shape, and green finger-like leaves sticking out from the fruit had me intrigued me at first sight. At the time, I had no idea what a dragon fruit was, how to eat it, or what it event tasted like. My curiosity about this aesthetically dramatic looking fruit exotic characteristics persuaded me to purchase it. I devoured my newly found discovery that same day and have been hooked every since.
The inside of the fruit is decorated with edible seeds inside of flesh with a similar texture of a kiwi. The taste of a dragon fruit favors a freshly picked pear. Being able to take part in the deliciousness that this fruit has to offer while in the U.S. is somewhat of a delicacy since they cost $4 dollars and more per fruit depending on what part of the country you live in. However, while traveling throughout Mexico and Southeast Asia, the fruit is plentiful and super cheap. I was able to purchase 1 pound of dragon fruit, about 3-4 in quantity, for less than $1 USD!
I’m pretty sure you’ve seen countless dragon fruit flavored snacks and have been bombarded with the bright pink colored dragon fruit drink from Starbucks being flaunted all over social media. Needless to say, Dragon fruit has become increasingly popular over the last few years.
What is Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also commonly known as the pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It can also be found in many tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world such as in Southeast Asia, Southern California, Florida, and South Africa. The fruit grows on a climbing cactus flowering plant that comes with a red rind with red flesh, red rind with white flesh, and a yellow rind with white flesh. All three are equally delicious.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
With dragon fruit being a nutrient dense super fruit it’s easy to understand why there has been so much buzz around the fruit lately. It contains a good source of iron, fiber, magnesium, Vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, as well as calcium, copper, B complex vitamins, antioxidants, and carotin. It’s packed with 3 types of antioxidants, betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids, which all work to reduce cholesterol levels, protects against cancer, supports optimal brain health, and reduces the risk of heart disease. The antioxidant found in the dragon fruit assists in preventing inflammation and is great for people that suffer from inflammatory conditions such as gout and arthritis. The antioxidants protects your cells from free radicles, supercharges your immune system, and slows down the aging process.
Don’t Skip the Seeds
Although it’s hard not to, the tiny black seeds that are densely decorated within the flesh of the dragon fruit packs a powerful nutritional value. They contain fatty acids, which includes omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids as well as other natural oils.
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Gut Health and Cleansing
The high fiber content helps with stool in the intestines for a smooth passage through the digestive tract. This is great for those that are performing a bodily cleanse or fast, those that want to remove bodily waste that has been backed up, and for weight loss or weight management. Along with its high antioxidant properties and vitamin & mineral content, dragon fruit is great for glycemic control and prebiotic properties for improving digestion and gut health.
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Stronger Bones and Teeth
Dragon fruit has one of the highest calcium content than many other fruits. With regular consumption of dragon fruit you will be able to keep up with your daily calcium requirements. The calcium improves bone mineral density and assists in preventing osteoporosis.
Dragon Fruit Benefits during Pregnancy
The iron assists in preventing hemoglobin deficiency, prevents anemia, and aids in the production of red blood cells which assists in proper amount of oxygen to your organs. The Vitamin B and folate present in the dragon fruit helps in preventing birth defects and boosts energy levels. The calcium content aids in the bone development of the fetus.
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Skin Care
The antioxidants found in dragon fruit prevents the cells from aging, treats sunburns, acne, blemishes, and increases the moisture level in the skin to prevent a dry and dull appearance. Dragon fruit also contains properties that protects the skin from ultraviolet damage.
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Hair
Because of the dragon fruit’s high nutrient content, it makes it an excellent hair conditioner for damaged, chemical, and colored treated hair. It contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are vital for the hair and scalp such as Vitamin E, B, A , iron, antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
Can You Eat The Skin of a Dragon Fruit?
Don’t throw the peel away!
The peel from the dragon fruit contains a high source of antioxidants and Vitamin E. You can use the peel for a face mask to assist with the skin’s moisture level and to give you a natural glow. You can also use the peel to make a tea that can be used to drink or as a base for a hair rinse or face mask.
So correct Fruits do have beneficial factors in the body. But I never knew about this much importance. I find this article so interesting and great. Thank you for sharing them us.