Everything You Need to Know About Dragon Fruit Benefits for Health

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has gained a lot of popularity among foodies and the health-conscious as a superfood in recent years. The health benefits of dragon fruits are one of the major reasons for their soaring popularity as it is low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants.

Apart from the obvious dragon fruit benefits to health, people also enjoy it for its unique look and taste. A lot of people say that it tastes like a cross between a pear and a kiwi. Moreover, you can have this fruit in a variety of ways- slice it and eat it as-is, add it to your favorite salad, try it with yogurt or you can add it to a smoothie or drink it as a juice.

Keep on reading to get an insight into the health benefits of dragon fruit, the nutritional value of this fruit, and how to eat it.

Types of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruits are available in various types and each one of them has unique characteristics. The major types of dragon fruits are given below:

Yellow Dragon Fruit:

Loaded with Vitamin C, this variety is sweet and helps your immune system and skin stay healthy.

Red Dragon Fruit:

This type of dragon fruit has bright red flesh and is packed with lycopene which is great for your heart health.

Pink Dragon Fruit:

Sweet and tangy, it is great for skin and digestion as it is loaded with fiber and Vitamin C.

Purple Dragon Fruit:

Delicious and nutritious fruit is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It helps protect the body from free radicals thereby reducing the risk of chronic disease and preventing premature ageing.

Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit

The amazing nutritional benefits of eating dragon fruit are one of the main reasons that it has become a popular food item all over the world. Below is a list of the main nutrients in a one-cup serving (227gm) of dragon fruit.

Antioxidants in Dragon Fruits

One of the major health benefits of dragon fruits comes from the antioxidants present in this fruit. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from unstable molecules called free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases. The main antioxidants present in dragon fruit pulp are:

• Betalains:
  Found in red dragon fruit, this red pigment in the flesh of the fruit is known to protect from bad cholesterol, LDL.
• Flavonoids:
  This antioxidant is linked to better brain health and function. Moreover, it also lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Hydroxycinnamates:
  This group of compounds has shown anti-cancer properties in test-tube and animal studies.

What are the Benefits of Dragon Fruits?

Dragon fruit benefits the human health and body in a variety of ways as it is rich in micronutrients. Let us take a look at the vital dragon fruit advantages:

• Helps Boost Immunity:
  One of the major benefits of eating dragon fruit is the boost it gives to your immunity. Dragon fruit is a major source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant, known to prevent diseases and boost immunity.
• Eases Constipation:
  Easing constipation is another important health benefits of dragon fruit. As it is an excellent source of fiber, it can soften stools, which in turn provides relief from constipation.
• Improves Digestion:
  Dragon fruit has prebiotics like oligosaccharides which are known to encourage the growth of good gut bacteria. These gut bacteria help you fight off disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
• Improves Heart Health:
  Dragon fruit is a rich source of iron and aids in the manufacturing of hemoglobin. Moreover, the presence of betalains which are unique nitrogen-containing pigments are known to lower the bad cholesterol in the body.
• Reduces Risk of Diabetes:
  The fiber in dragon fruit can help avoid sugar spikes. Researchers also attribute this benefit to the fruit’s ability to replace damaged pancreatic cells, which in turn can help control blood sugar.
• Reduce Risk of Cancer:
  One of the major dragon fruit advantages to human health comes from the rich oxidants that this fruit is loaded with. Flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin, all inhibit the damage caused by free radicals. And these free radicals are the substances that cause cancer and premature aging.

Dragon Fruit Juice Benefits

Just like the pulp and flesh of the fruit, dragon fruit juice also offers a lot of health benefits. Since dragon fruit is a good source of important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, it can help in promoting good bone health.

Dragon fruit juice also contains B vitamins that are essential for healthy metabolism and overall nervous system function. Moreover, it also helps produce collagen for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

To derive dragon fruit juice benefits to the fullest, you can prepare dragon fruit juice at home and drink it once a day. Drinking dragon juice daily can also give you radiant skin as it is rich in Vitamin C, which can aid in giving you brighter skin.

How to Eat Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit may look intimidating at first glance and you may struggle with how to eat it in the beginning. However, eating this fruit is quite simple. Here is how to eat dragon fruit:

• Choose a ripe fruit that gives slightly when squeezed.
• Now use a sharp knife and cut straight through the fruit, slicing it in half.
• Now you can just use a spoon to eat the fruit straight out of the skin. You can also peel off the skin and slice the pulp into small pieces.

Conclusion

Given the variety of dragon fruit benefits, incorporating this delicious superfood into your diet is a smart choice. It tastes amazing, looks beautiful with vibrant colors, and also provides you with essential nutrients, beneficial plant compounds, and prebiotic fibers- all this while being a low-calorie food item.

You can easily make it a part of your daily diet by having it as a salad or having it as a snack with Greek yogurt, you can also squeeze some fresh dragon fruit juice and enjoy it as a delicious drink. Dragon fruit is a versatile addition to any diet that can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant you.