Dragon fruit is referred to as a superfood because of its rich nutritional and antioxidant profile. This fruit has a unique look. From the outside, the fruit has the appearance of a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting up like flames around it. While from inside you’ll find fleshy white stuff dotted with black seeds. The fruit is mild in flavor. Its texture feels like a cross between a pear, a passion fruit, and a kiwi.
Dragon fruit comes in a variety of shapes and colors:
- Pink skin with white flesh: This variety is the least sweet. They are referred to by the name Alice, Cosmic Charlie, and Guyute.
- Pink skin with red or pink flesh: This variety is bigger and sweeter than white-fleshed ones. They are referred to by the name Red Jaina and Bloody Mary.
- Pink skin with purple flesh: This variety is referred to by the name American Beauty.
- Yellow skin with white flesh: Yellow dragon fruit is the hardest to find, but it’s also the sweetest.
Dragon Fruit Nutrition Fact
100 g of Dragan fruit contains the following nutritional value:
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Iron: 4%
- Magnesium: 10%
- Potassium: 3%
- Calcium: 3%
Dragon fruit also contains vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, and B3.
Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit
1. Boost Iron Levels
Dragon fruit is loaded with iron and vitamin C. As iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to various parts of the body. While vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron apart from helping in the body’s defense system. Both of them are involved in regulating major physiological functions in our body. However, a deficiency of iron or vitamin C can lead to conditions like anemia and scurvy respectively.
2. Help Prevent Arthritis Pain
According to research dragon fruit was recommended for people who suffered from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and joint pains. While dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Dragan fruit can relieve the inflammatory pain caused by arthritis.
3. Help Dengue Patients
According to research eating dragon fruit can help an individual infected by the dengue virus. As the fruit has an antiviral activity of the compounds. Dragon fruit as a treatment for dengue is not scientifically proven. While it should not be included in the diet without consulting a medical practitioner.
4. Hydrate The Skin
Dragon fruit is high in water content. Which eventually helps in hydration. Also, dragon fruit has vitamin B in it. That can moisturize your skin and keep it healthy and supple.
5. May Treat Acne
According to research dragon fruit extracts can help in treating acne. It could be because red dragon fruit peel contains antimicrobial properties. And also the compound found in the dragon fruit is also said to control sebum production and help in controlling acne.
6. Promote A Healthy Gut
Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, as it is considered good for digestion. The prebiotic fiber present in dragon fruit helps in the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the body. While these bacteria provide us with necessary compounds that our body cannot synthesize. Dietary fiber also improves bowel movement and treats conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal issues, and constipation.