Dragon fruit benefits include increasing iron levels, lowering bad cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, and cleansing the digestive system. While its benefits are enticing, the truth is that it should be consumed as a dietary supplement. You should consult a doctor before consuming this fruit. Read on to learn more. – It’s a great exotic fruit for your diet! It’s low in calories and high in essential healthy fats. – It is safe to eat while pregnant!
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. Its unique look and acclaimed superfood powers have made it popular among foodies (like me) and the health-conscious. Luckily, you don’t need to live in the tropics to enjoy the many benefits of dragon fruit (I know because I live in a cold country and I love it). In fact, you can find it fresh or frozen in supermarkets worldwide.
Dragon fruit boosts iron levels
A popular superfood, dragon fruit is low in calories and is packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and omega fats. Its benefits extend far beyond its ability to boost iron levels. Among them are improved digestion and increased energy. It also contains magnesium, which is essential for the proper function of hundreds of chemical reactions in the human body. It helps keep blood pressure and heart rhythm steady. As an added bonus, its subtle flavor is pleasant.
It reduces bad cholesterol
If you are interested in reducing your bad cholesterol, dragon fruit is a great choice. It is native to Central and South America, and is known as pitahaya in Mexico and Pitaya roja in Vietnam. It is consumed by the Aztecs as early as the 13th century. Traditionally, dragon fruit was grown in Central America, but it was brought to Southeast Asia and Vietnam by the French. Today, Vietnam is one of the leading producers of dragon fruit, and the United States imports it extensively. Despite its popularity, it isn’t a widely-known fruit in the U.S., which is why it is so expensive.
It lowers blood sugar
Research indicates that dragon fruit has beneficial effects on glycemic control in type 2 and prediabetic people. Literature searches identified 401 studies, of which four were randomized controlled trials involving 36 prediabetes subjects and 109 type 2 diabetes patients. In both populations, dragon fruit significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, with a mean reduction of -15.1 mg/dL in prediabetes and -6.5 mg/dL in type 2 diabetes patients.
It helps clean the digestive system
The benefits of dragon fruit are numerous. Its fiber content can help bulk up bowel movements, which improves their smooth passage through the digestive system. Dragon fruit contains prebiotics, which encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system. These bacteria help the intestines to digest food and aid the body in maintaining a healthy balance of nutrients. Regular consumption of dragon fruit can help prevent constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and colorectal cancer.
It fights free radicals
Many people know that dragon fruit fights free radicals by providing antioxidants, but did you know that it contains a variety of other nutrients as well? The dragon
fruit is chock-full of vitamins, nutrients, omega fats, and antioxidants. Eating dragon fruit regularly can improve the health of your hair and skin. Its high content of Vitamin C and other phytonutrients can slow the aging process and help preserve youthful appearance.
It prevents cancer
The benefits of dragon fruit are extensive and are worth considering consuming regularly. It contains many beneficial nutrients and has been known to prevent cancer and lower blood pressure. It is available in many countries and tastes good. There are two kinds of dragon fruit: red and white. Both varieties contain polyphenols, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support the health of the body. Dragon fruit is a good source of potassium and Vitamin C. It also has an interesting taste and is suitable for a wide variety of recipes.
Dragon fruit, or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit that grows in Mexico, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other countries. Despite its exotic appearance and mysterious name, dragon fruit is easily cultivated and widely available in supermarkets throughout the world—and it’s surprisingly affordable!