Dragon fruit: The wonder fruit is a delicious tropical fruit with amazing health benefits. The colorful fruit is rich in essential nutrients, prebiotic fibers and plant compounds and low in calorie. Also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, dragon fruit has vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. It is unique in name, look and taste. Its superfood powers have made it popular among foodies and the health-conscious.
You can find it fresh in the local market or frozen in supermarkets worldwide.
In view of its superfood properties, the Gujarat government named it Kamalam in 2021.
Here are some health benefits of dragon fruit:
High in nutrients
It is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. It also supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins. It’s loaded with Omega 3 and Omega 0 fatty acids that is good for the heart.
Fights chronic disease
Free radicals cause cell damage and may lead to inflammation and disease. One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant-rich foods like dragon fruit. Dragon fruit contains several types of potent antioxidants including Vitamin C, betalains, carotenoids.
Loaded with fiber
Health authorities recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men. Like antioxidants, fiber supplements do not have the same health benefits as fiber from foods. With 7 grams per one-cup serving, dragon fruit is an excellent whole-food source.
For healthy gut
As dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics are a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Like all fibers, your gut cannot break them down. However, the bacteria in your gut can digest them. They use the fiber as fuel for growth, and you reap the benefits.
Strengthens immune system
The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may boost the immune system and prevent infection by protecting white blood cells from damage.
Select a ripe dragon fruit
It has thick and leathery skin and can be intimidating to look at. Find one that is perfectly ripe, red in color. An unripe dragon fruit will be green. Like avocado and kiwi, a ripe dragon fruit should be soft but not mushy.
How to eat
Using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the fruit with a spoon, or cut it into cubes by cutting vertical and horizontal lines into the pulp without cutting into the peel. Push on the back of the skin to expose the cubes and remove them with a spoon or your fingers.
To enjoy, add it to salads, smoothies and yogurt, or simply snack on it by itself.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Take the methods, and claims mentioned in this article as suggestions only; DNP India does not confirm or refute them. Consult a doctor before implementing any such suggestions/ treatment/medicine/diet.
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