Surprising Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit You Must Know
Dragon fruit is not among the regular fruits that can be seen on people’s grocery lists, and it is well-known for its unique shape and taste. With its popularity, Dragon fruit has been consumed by a large number of people across the world. However, there are various health benefits of dragon fruit which are unknown today. This brightly coloured fruit attracts people’s attention and tastes like a Kiwi. If you have eaten dragon fruit but don’t know its health benefits, this post will prove to be helpful for you.
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is a tropical food originating from Mexico and Central America that tastes like a Kiwi and Pear. It grows on the Hylocereus Cactus and is also known as the Honolulu Queen, whose flower only opens at night. In different countries, Dragon fruit is known by other names like strawberry Pear, Pitaya, and Pithaya.
However, the unique name, looks, and health benefits of Dragon Fruit is the reason behind its popularity across the globe. It is nutritious and full of fibre which certified dieticians recommend for improving gut health. While cutting the Dragon fruit, you will find a white fleshy pulp containing black seed. Most people hesitate to eat it for the first time due to its pulpy content. In terms of nutritional value, it is considered a nutrient-dense fruit.
Nutritional Facts About Dragon Fruit
When it comes to nutritional value, Dragon fruit is one the most healthy fruits and offers significant health benefits. There are various surprising health benefits of Dragon fruit which are least known. Before we jump over its health benefits, let’s take a look at its nutritional facts:
| Nutritional Facts | Value |
| Approximate Weight Of Dragon Fruit | 100 grams or 3.5 ounces |
| Total Calories | 60 Kcal |
| Carbs | 13 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams |
| Fibre | 3 grams |
| Iron | 4% |
| Magnesium | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 3% |
Due to the high amount of fibre and magnesium, dragon fruits have rich nutritional value that helps treat various diseases. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a one-cup of Dragon fruit provides essential nutrients to the body. It contains 103 calories and no fat, making it the best fruit for maintaining weight. Like this, there are other health benefits of Dragon fruit which can improve the body’s overall functioning.
Also Read: 10 Spicy Indian Food That You Ought To Try In New Year
Health Benefits Of Eating Dragon Fruit
Eating fruits is the best way to get essential nutritional value every day. The same is true with the Dragon Fruit, which offers amazing health benefits. Once you know the health benefits of Dragon Fruit, it will change your perception of this unique type of food. Here are the health benefits of eating Dragon fruits:
Improves Gut Health
Our gut has healthy bacteria that aid in the digestion process. However, poor gut health indicates that you might have a bacteria deficiency that the Dragon Fruit can easily fulfil. This fruit promotes the growth of prebiotic bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
When consumed in a prescribed amount, Dragon fruit can also reduce the risk of colon cancer. Having a high nutritional value in the form of magnesium and fibre, daily consumption of Dragon Fruit boosts the growth of healthy digestive bacteria and ultimately improves gut health.
Reduce Inflammation
Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants that target the free radicals responsible for damaging the body cells. Due to its antioxidants property, the inflammation caused by the free radical reduces. The primary antioxidants available in Dragon Fruit are Flavonoids, Hydroxycinammates, and Betalains. Eating dragon fruits can benefit you if you have suffered from an inflammation issue. Since it doesn’t have high antioxidants, it is advised to consult with a medical expert before using it as the sole remedy for inflammation.
Lower the Blood Sugar Levels
One of the least-known health benefits of dragon fruit is its role in lowering blood sugar. You might not believe it, but it repairs the damaged cells in the body that contain insulin. Once damaged cells of the pancreas get repaired, it starts reproducing the insulin that lowers the blood sugar.
Dragon Fruit has a specified amount of nutritional facts that are helpful for a diabetic person. It is the best fruit for people who complain about lower blood sugar and must select a nutrition-rich food that facilitates insulin production.
Act As an Immunity Booster
The proportion of sugar contained in the Dragon Fruit increases the concentration of immunoglobulin A and G in the blood, which is responsible for immunity. Along with other health benefits, Dragon fruit also acts as an immunity booster. It protects your body against viral and bacterial infection and strengthens the line of defence by managing the level of essential immunoglobulin in the body.
Treat Skin Problems
Due to the availability of antioxidants, Dragon fruit is also beneficial for the skin and has been proven to treat wounds and other problems. Since it contains a certain proportion of water that keeps the skin hydrated and repairs the damaged cells, despite eating, you can also get the health benefits of Dragon Fruit by applying it on the skin.
It is also beneficial in treating acne and pimples and boosts cell regeneration. As it doesn’t cause any side effects, you can also use its pulp with honey to get major skin benefits. Being Vitamin C and Flavonoids rich, Dragon fruit also slows down the ageing process by repairing damaged skin cells.
Along with health benefits, the excessive consumption of Dragon Fruit creates various problems. People with a high allergic reaction are advised to eat this fruit in prescribed amounts. You might also face issues like Vomiting, Pink or Red pee, hives, and swelling tongue. That is why eating Dragon Fruit in a specified amount is advised. These are the least known health benefits of Dragon Fruit. If you haven’t tried this fruit yet, we suggest you try it. Don’t forget to share your first-time experience of eating Dragon Fruit with us.