There are some different selections of dragon fruit or also known as pitahaya or pitaya. The most usual kind of it contains a thick, deep pinkish red and leathery skin with flame-like green spikes. There are the white and blood-red flesh types with little black seeds and pitaya amarilla that have yellow skin with white flesh on the inside.
How did dragon fruit obtain its fancy name? It can be described as an almost scaly, flame-like green spikes not thorny, but you can also look at its flowers and you will eventually understand the reason why.
For the very “stylish” skin and its fancy name, dragon fruit flesh contains a rather bland taste with a melon-like texture and crunchy seeds like the fruit kiwi.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF DRAGON FRUIT
The dragon fruit is loaded with phytonutrients. They are packed with antioxidants, Vitamins B and C, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotene and even protein. They also contain a huge amount of calcium, iron and phosphorus.
The seeds of dragon fruit are known to be high in polyunsaturated fats just like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Here are the health benefits of Dragon fruit:
#1: Anti-aging
Consuming a dragon fruit can actually aid in maintaining the skin tight and young looking due to its high antioxidant content.
#2: Anti-inflammatory
It contains a huge amount of antioxidants and phytonutrients which makes it an excellent and amazing anti-inflammatory that may be beneficial in preventing inflammatory including gout, arthritis and asthma.
#3: Acne
Dragon fruit is loaded with Vitamin C and it is also a great tropical ointment. A slice of it can actually become a paste and it can be applied to the acnes on both of your face and skin, then wash it off with the help of warm water.
#4: Cardiovascular health
It doesn’t contain any cholesterol and any unhealthy cholesterol- producing fats. When you reduce the amount of your cholesterol in your blood, your risk of developing plaque accumulation in both of your arteries and veins will become lower. These seeds of dragon fruits have positive kids of fats, which can actually cause the HDL cholesterol to actively lower the amount of LDL cholesterol by the means of decreasing the receptors that holds onto the walls of the arteries.
#5: Diabetes
It is not sweet and it is a suitable food for those people who have diabetes. It has a high amount of fiber that can actually aid in controlling and stabilizing the blood sugar levels and it also overpowers sugar spikes.
#6: Constipation
People who are suffering from constipation may benefit from consuming at least a piece of dragon fruit a day. The rich dietary fiber is beneficial in improving the bowel movements.
#7: Heart health
It contains huge amount of antioxidants, which makes it really great in the reduction of oxidation in cholesterol. It is a good source of monounsaturated fats that assists the heart in being healthy.
#8: Cancer
It is loaded with antioxidant protection that came from the Vitamin C that can also make the immune system stronger. It is composed of carotene that has been associated with several anti-carcinogens qualities, as well as lessens the size of the tumors.
#9: Immune system
One of the astonishing health benefits of dragon fruit is its ability to provide a great improvement for the body’s defense system. It is packed with Vitamin C, which is one of the strongest resources that the body needs in having a stronger immune system. It also encourages other antioxidant activities in the body. It has the ability to find and neutralize free radical cells that are really harmful byproducts of cell metabolism, and have been known to be related with potentially fatal diseases just like cancer.
#10: Detox
It has the ability to help the body making its functions normal just like aiding with the removal of toxic heavy metals in the body.
#11: Digestive health
Dragon fruit can have the ability to assist in cleansing your digestive system due to its high content of fiber, which can actually enhance poor digestion and constipation. Both of flesh and seeds of it are loaded with good proteins that can actually maintain your body being fortified and contented. When you regulate bowel function with dietary fiber, you lower your risk of having conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and even colorectal cancer.
#12: Soothe heartburn
The high amount of antioxidants and nutrients that can be found in this fruit can actually help in moisturizing the sunburned skin. Just mix it with cucumber juice and honey in order to produce heat sensation from the affected area.
#13: Respiratory health
It is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants that makes it really beneficial in treating respiratory issues, which includes asthma, bronchitis or even wheezing.
CONSUMPTION TIPS
Choose a bright red or pink color of the dragon fruit that is completely ripe, press its flesh and if it gives in a little, then it is possibly ripe enough for you to enjoy. They are best served chilled and sliced into cubes or they can also be blended into a delicious smoothie. Its fruit ice can be effortlessly made with just some ingredients and it taste really great on a hot summer day.