The dragon fruit is an exotic fruit species native to Southeast Asia. However, its origins are from Mexico and South America where it was believed that the fruit was taken by new world settlers to countries like China, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam where it remains as an important part of daily diets.
The Dragon Fruit is very much like a kiwi and is also filled with black seeds which if consumed is said to benefit digestion. Dragon Fruit besides being eaten is also used for making wine and its leaves can be brewed into a healthy tea. The Dragon Fruit has a bland and mildly sweet taste but some varieties have a tangy flavor. Known in Southeast Asia as Pattaya, the fruit is widely regarded in medical circles as having beneficial properties. The fruit is abundant in essential nutrients vitamins and minerals; here are 15 health benefits of Dragon Fruit.
Image Source: www.organicfacts.net
The Dragon Fruit is one of nature’s superfoods. It contains only 60 calories but is packed with antioxidants. It is rich in protein for those who are on a vegetarian diet. It contains fiber, Lycopene and healthy carbs. It is also rich in B-Complex vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorous and sodium. Dragon fruit contains many phytonutrients to prevent disease. It is a good source of healthy fat like omega three fatty acids and omega six which is present in the seeds of the fruit.
Image Source: thealternativedaily.com
Studies have proved that Dragon fruit is good for diabetics as a blood sugar stabilizer and can prevent sugar spikes in the body. Moreover, dragon fruit is rich in polyphenols, tocopherols carotenoids, thiols and glucosinolates all of which reduce blood sugar in the body. Always consult your doctor before introducing new ingredients into your diet.
Image Source: dietbly.com
As Dragon Fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, it boosts immunity and is also able to stimulate antioxidants present in the body thus enhancing their activity. Antioxidants kill free radicals in the body which are primarily responsible for causing cancer. Antioxidants in our bodies also increase platelet count to treat and recover fast from diseases like dengue.
Image Source: amazonaws.com
Dragon Fruit is rich in Iron which boosts hemoglobin levels for anemic patients. It also helps increase red blood cells which in turn results in more oxygen to various organs. Oxygenation of the body is vital for smooth and optimum body function.
Image Source: ndtvimg.com
Dragon Fruit being rich in antioxidants can flush out waste metals from your body which are the main culprits that raise body toxicity. This also helps in weight loss. Moreover, toxins accumulated in the body from other unhealthy sources are also flushed out by eating dragon fruit.
Image Source: www.thealthbenefitsof.com
Because of dragon fruit being rich in vitamin C, it can help prevent coughs and colds. It also strengthens your immune system to prevent and combat these conditions better. While it cannot be said that dragon fruit is a treatment for respiratory problems like asthma and flu, the fruit boosts immunity prevents and helps the body manage the disease to make it more bearable.
Image Source: www.ideahacks.com
Being rich in fiber, dragon fruit helps in clearing up stomach problems and aids in digestion. Being low in calories and rich in fiber, it keeps you satiated for longer and prevents you from eating more than you should. This helps in weight loss.
Image Source: spreadtheislam.com
Dragon fruit reduces cholesterol which keeps arteries healthy. It also combats free radicals in the body. All of these help in promoting better cardiovascular health and a stronger heart. High cholesterol levels are one of the main causes of blocked arteries. Dragon fruit is free from cholesterol and is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, one of the ingredients required for heart health.
Image Source: wikihomenutrition.com
Dragon fruit is a natural coloring agent for hair that can even promote healthy strong hair. All you need to do is scoop out the dragon fruit and make it into a paste in a blender. Now apply the paste to your scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
Image Source: www.mybeautynaturally.com
Dragon fruit is a natural anti ageing ingredient that fights free radicals and reduces aging of skin and face. The same paste that you use for your hair, you can even apply that to your face as a mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water.
Moreover, dragon fruit is rich in phosphorus that boosts the anti ageing process. Phosphorous is found in all cells of the body and is necessary for repair of cells including our skin cells to maintain a youthful complexion.
Image Source: youtube.com
A paste of dragon fruit and vitamin e oil sourced from a vitamin E capsule can make an effective paste for applying as a sunscreen. This can protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and soothe as well as from your skin because of the vitamin C present. Incidentally, Vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen required for firmness and elasticity of skin.
Image Source: visihow.com
Dragon fruit contains an ingredient called phytoalbumin. When combined with Vitamin C, it becomes a powerful antioxidant to fight off cancer. Lycopene which gives the dragon fruit its color has been observed in research to prevent and help fight problems with prostate, breast, lung, liver and skin cancer.
Image Source: wday.ru
Dragon fruit has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It increases the white blood cell count in the body to defend against toxins and prevents the growth of bacterial and fungal infections. It also stimulates cell regeneration and promotes healing of wounds and burns.
Image Source: chhajedgarden.com
The body needs an essential amount of protein for smooth functioning. Dragon fruit is a rich source of protein that can be metabolized by the body for cell repair, strength and increase of metabolism thus helping is stronger muscles and weight loss.
Image Source: www.homenaturalcures.com
If you really want to gain all the health properties of the dragon fruit, here is a healthy recipe fortified with the goodness of banana.
Pulp of 1 dragon fruit
1 banana chopped
1 cup coconut water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ginger paste
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and serve chilled.
Image Source: imgix.net