Dragon fruit also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and is juicy with a slightly sweet taste, seed-speckled pulp. Some describe this fruit as a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon. The seeds have a nutty flavor. Its unique look and acclaimed super food powers have made it popular among foodies and the health conscious.

High in nutrients:

Dragon fruit is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains a substantial amount of dietary fibre.

• Calories-136
• Protein-3gms
• Fat-0
• Carbohydrates-29gms
• Fiber-7gms
• Iron-8%
• Mg-18%
• Vitamin C-9%
• Vitamin-E-4%

Beyond essential nutrients, dragon fruit supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins. It’s rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin. These natural substances protect your cells from damage by free radicals — molecules that can lead to diseases like cancer and premature aging. It may help lower your blood sugar. It may be helpful in reducing  the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Helps in fighting Chronic disease:

 Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage, which may lead to inflammation and disease. One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant rich foods like dragon fruit. Antioxidants works by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation.

Loaded with fibre:  

Dietary fibres are non digestable carbohydrates that boost an extensive list of potential health benefits. Good in digestion, protecting against heart disease, managing type 2 diabetes and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Promotes healthy gut:

 Your gut is home to some 100 trillion diverse micro-organisms, including more than 400 species of bacteria. Dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in gut. Prebiotics are a specific type of fibre that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Regularly consuming prebiotics may reduce the risk of infection in your digestive tract and diarrhoea. This is because prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria.

Strengthens immune system:

Your body’s ability to fight infection is determined by several different factors, including the quality of your diet. The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may boost your immune system and prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage.

 The white blood cells in your immune system attack and destroy harmful substances. However, they are extremely sensitive to damage by free radicals as potent antioxidants. Vitamin C and carotenoids can neutralize free radicals and defend WBC against harm.

May boost low Iron levels:

Dragon fruit is one of the few fruits that contain iron. Iron plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout your body. It also plays an important role in breaking down food into energy.

Good source of Magnesium:

Dragon fruit offers more magnesium than most fruits with 18%of your RDI in 1 cup. This mineral is present in every one of the cells and takes part in over 600 important chemical reactions in the body. It takes part in reactions  needed for the breakdown of food into energy, musclecontraction, bone  formation and even the creation of  DNA. Higher intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Good source of Potassium:

Dragon fruit is loaded with essential minerals, particularly potassium and calcium which help in maintaining bone structure. Regular consumption of potassium is extremely vital for cellular, electrical, nervous functions of our body.

How to eat Dragon fruit?

You can eat dragon fruit in many ways. Make it as a fruit salad along with other tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Cut it into a salsa. Churn it into ice cream. Squeeze it into juice. Use it as a topping for yogurt. Or freeze it and blend it into a smoothie.

Watch our video on Dragon fruit – All About Dragon Fruit- Dr. Manjusri Suratkal

Dr.Nandhini V. Mohan & Dr Venkataramana Hegde
Veda wellness center
Nisarga Mane Sirsi
Uttarakannada District
Ph: 9597019032/ 9448729434
Email : nisargamane6@gmail.com

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