Dragon fruit has recently become more and more sought after as a tropical fruit.
Though many enjoy drinking coffee for its aesthetic value and unique flavor, evidence indicates it could offer additional health advantages.
This article investigates dragon fruit, including its nutrition, benefits, and how best to consume it.
What Is Dragon Fruit ?
What Is Dragon Fruit? Dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus desert plant, also known as Honolulu sovereign and blooming at nighttime.
This plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America; however, its use has since spread around the globe.
Pitaya and pitahaya fruits, also referred to as strawberry pear, have many different names.
The two most prevalent varieties have dazzling red skin with green scales that resemble those found on dragons, giving rise to their namesake.
The most widely available variety combines white mash with dark seeds, but an uncommon type that contains red mash and dark seeds also exists.
Yellow dragon fruit refers to another variety with yellow skin and white flesh with dark seeds.
Dragon fruit may seem exotic, yet its flavors resemble those of different fruits. One reviewer described its taste as being similar to that of both kiwis and pear.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts Dragon fruit contains small quantities of some nutrients and is an excellent source of iron, magnesium and fiber.
Here are the nourishment realities for a serving of 3.5 ounces, or 100 grams:
Calories: 60
Protein: 1.2 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbs: 13 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
Iron: 4% of the RDI
Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
Given the high measure of fiber and magnesium, as well as the incredibly low calorie content, dragon fruit can be viewed as an exceptionally supplement thick fruit.
Gives Several Antioxidants
Dragon fruit contains various types of antioxidants.
These protect your phones from harmful particles known as free radicals that are associated with diseases and aging.
Here are a few of the key antioxidants found in dragon fruit mash:
Betalains: Deliberately hidden within red dragon fruit pulp are dark red hues known to protect “poor” LDL cholesterol from being oxidized or altered by free radicals and thus become harmful or damaged over time.
Hydroxycinnamates: Studies using test tubes and animals have demonstrated anticancer activity from this group of compounds.
Flavonoids: This wide array of antioxidants has been linked with increased brain health and decreased risk for coronary illness.
One study investigated the cancer-preventive properties of 17 tropical fruits and berries.
While dragon fruit’s cancer prevention abilities were modest, its capacity of protecting certain unsaturated fats from free extreme damage was found to be remarkable.
Likely Health Benefits
Animal studies suggest that dragon fruit may provide various health advantages.
Fiber and cell reinforcement make possible the creation of many of these structures.
Red and white varieties of dragon fruit have both been proven to reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver in overweight mice.
One study demonstrated that mice eating a high-fat diet who were given a fruit concentrate gained less weight and experienced reductions in liver fat, insulin obstruction, and inflammation due to beneficial changes in stomach bacteria.
Dragon fruit contains prebiotic fiber that promotes beneficial bacteria in your stomach – potentially improving metabolic health.
Though the fruit may work on some aspects of metabolic disorder – a condition associated with type 2 diabetes – not all its impacts may be beneficial.
Study conducted on mice on a high-fat, high-carb diet revealed that those given dragon fruit juice experienced glucose reactions as well as reductions in some liver chemical markers; yet another marker actually increased.
Studies conducted on rodents with diabetes treated with fruit concentrate saw an impressive 35% reduction in malondialdehyde levels – an indicator of free-radical damage – as well as less blood vessel thickening than their benchmark group counterparts.
Studies on the effects of dragon fruit on type 2 diabetes vary widely and require further investigation to confirm its beneficial properties.
Unfavorable Effects
Dragon fruit generally seems safe; however, individuals might develop an adverse response in some circumstances.
Two female subjects without prior food sensitivities developed anaphylactic reactions after eating fruit blends that included dragon fruit. Lab tests confirmed they had antibodies against the dragon fruit present in their blood.
These are just two known instances of hypersensitivity to fruits such as this, yet others could also be vulnerable without even realizing it.
