About Dragon Fruit- Putting an Exotic Twist To Your Diet. What is a dragon fruit? That’s a fair question. Ask people about an apple, and you’ll be treated to a fluent speech replete with description, varieties and benefits.
Ask the same lot about a dragon fruit, and they’ll be stumped. The name itself is an oddity! The fruit, originally referred to as Pitaya, became known as the dragon fruit due to its scaly exterior.
What does a dragon fruit taste like? The taste is quite similar to that of kiwi fruits and pears. If you’re unsure of how to eat a dragon fruit, remember that the inner flesh and seeds are edible. This fruit can be served whole, or in fruit smoothies, salads and even pizza. Create your own dragon fruit recipes!
Table of Contents
Health Benefits:
Fights against Diabetes:
Dragon fruit contains substances that regulate and maintain the blood sugar level within the body. This property makes the fruit especially beneficial for those suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Contains Anti-Cancer Agents:
High antioxidant levels in the fruit prevent free radicals from attacking the body. Harmful cancer cells are eliminated in a natural way sans any side effects.
As A Powerhouse Of Nutrients:
Vitamin C, B1, B3, B12, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Dietary Fiber- These are just some of the vitamins and nutrients present in the dragon fruit. These substances are a treat for your body.
The collective effects range from enhancing the immune system, improving the metabolic system, preventing Urinary Tract Infections and irregularities in the digestive system, promoting healthy tissue formation and fortifying the teeth and bones.
Dried dragon fruit, as compared to fresh fruit, has a richer store of nutrients. Take note that dried fruit contains ten times the level of vitamin C than fresh dragon fruit!
Relieves Respiratory Illnesses:
Regular consumption of the dragon fruit has been known to alleviate asthma and chronic cough in both children and adults.
Ideal for the Weight Conscious:
The flesh of the fruit is heavily peppered with little black seeds. These seeds do contain fat. But this fat is categorized under unsaturated fats- the good kind. Unsaturated fats are instrumental in preventing heart diseases and other ailments by building up the level of good cholesterol in the body.
Protects The Body Form Toxins:
The dragon fruit contains compounds that neutralize the harmful effects of toxic substances. Some metals, such as copper and zinc, are required by the body in limited quantities. Any quantity greater than what is required can prove to be fatal.
For Healthy Skin:
The nutrients in the fruit act as natural moisturizers, keeping the skin smooth and soft. The dragon fruit’s moisture content equals the weight of about 90% of the fruit. The moisture helps to keep your skin hydrated and fresh. High levels of Vitamin C ensure that skin tissues are repaired when damaged. For naturally radiant skin, consume the fruit regularly.
Possible Health Concerns:
The dragon fruit has no documented side effects. Take note that if you want to consume the outer skin, it should be clean and free of dark blotches.