Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

Originally known as pitaya, due to its scaly appearance, dragon fruit is a beautiful fruit with an intense shape and color and dazzling flowers. Since it blooms at night, it is also known as the Queen of the Night, Lady of the Night and Moonflower. Usually dark red in color, the dragon fruit can also be found in pink or yellow. The thin rind skin is covered with large green scales. The center of the fruit contains a sweet tasting pulp in red or white, with tiny black seeds. Native to Mexico and South and Central America, dragon fruit is now cultivated in Asian countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The fruit is also found in Okinawa, Hawaii, Palestine, northern Australia and southern China. The different nutritional benefits of dragon fruit are making it a popular choice among many people today. Read on further to know the health and nutrition benefits of eating dragon fruit and also find its nutritional value.

Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit

Amount of Dragon Fruit: 1 cup

Total Weight of Dragon Fruit: 100 g

Nutrients	Amount
Moisture	82.5 - 83 g
Protein	0.159 - 0.229 g
Ash	0.28 g
Fat	0.21 - 0.61 g
Crude Fiber	0.7-0.9 g
Carotene	0.005 - 0.012 mg
Calcium	6.3 - 8.8 mg
Phosphorus	30.2 - 36.1 mg
Iron	0.55 - 0.65 mg
Vitamin B1	0.28 - 0.43 mg
Vitamin B2	0.043 - 0.045 mg
Vitamin B3	0.297 - 0.43 mg
Vitamin C	8 - 9 mg
Thiamine	0.28 - 0.30 mg
Riboflavin	0.043 - 0.044 mg
Niacin	1.297 - 1.3 mg
Others	0.54 - 0.68 g

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is a good source of anti-oxidants that prevents free radicals, which cause cancer and other undesirable health detriments, from entering the body.
It helps in neutralizing toxic substances like heavy metal. Apart from that, consumption of dragon fruit helps in reduction of cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Regular consumption of dragon fruit helps in fighting against asthma and cough.
Highly packed with vitamin C, dragon fruit heals cuts and bruises faster and improves the general immune system also.
The vitamin B2 content in dragon fruit acts as a multivitamin and helps in recovering and improving loss of appetite.
The presence of vitamin B1 aids in the production of energy and metabolizing carbohydrates.
Dragon fruit lowers bad cholesterol since it contains vitamin B3. By moisturizing and smoothing the skin, dragon fruit enhances its appearance.
The fruit is used as a cosmetic and health material, as it improves eyesight and prevents hypertension.
A rich source of calcium and phosphorus, dragon fruit reinforces bones, forms healthy teeth and aids in tissue formation.
Eating a dragon fruit regularly reduces weight considerably, thereby creating a well-balanced body without compromising on a person’s health.
The fruit is useful in lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.

Tips

Dragon fruits taste best when served chilled.
To eat dragon fruit, slice it into half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The skin is not eaten.
The middle of the fruit is the sweetest part. Hence, save it and eat it at the last.
Dragon fruit is eaten either raw or mixed in juices and cocktails.
It is also used as preserves and spreads like jam, puree and cordial, salads, sherbets and sorbets, fruit pizza and other beverages.

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