In this article, we will discuss Dragon Fruit's health benefits. We will also discuss some common questions related to Dragon Fruit.
Dragon Fruit resembles the dragon as the name indicates. It grows on a climbing cactus known as Hylocereus in the tropical regions. The fruit is high in antioxidants and tastes great. It has various health benefits and can be consumed like salad or in combination with yoghurt for a better taste. The fruit has become very popular in recent years due to its look and taste. Apart from being nutritious, the fruit is full of various health benefits as explained below:
6 Amazing Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit is nutritious and has a lot of health benefits if consumed regularly and in limited quantity. Here we will discuss some of the health benefits of dragon fruit like:
Good Nutritional Quantity
Dragon fruit contains all essential nutrients and elements necessary for the growth and development of the human body. Fruit is low in calories but contains essential vitamins, minerals and a good amount of dietary fibre.
Nutritional value of 1 cup of serving (180 ml)
S. No. |
Component |
Nutritional Value |
1 |
Calorie |
103 |
2 |
Protein |
0.6 grams |
3 |
Fat |
0.2 gram |
4 |
Carbohydrates |
27.4 gram |
5 |
Fibre |
5.6 gram |
6 |
Iron |
0.324 milligrams (mg) |
7 |
Magnesium |
12.6 milligrams (mg) |
8 |
Vitamin C |
7.7 milligrams (mg) |
9 |
Vitamin E |
0.2 milligrams (mg) |
Promotes Gut Health
Dragon Fruit is good for gut health as the fruit contains probiotics, which help to improve gut health. This helps for good bowel movement and reduces the chances of constipation. Good gut health also helps for good nutrient extraction from diet and leads to good healthy growth. Probiotic is a special type of fibre that helps to increase the microbial growth of good gut bacteria. This keeps the gut clean and reduces the chances of infection. A good gut is very beneficial and important for the overall health and development.
Source of Antioxidants
Dragon Fruit contains a good amount of antioxidants that help detoxify the body. Dragon Fruit extracts also help in reducing the free radicals in the body. The antioxidant activity of Dragon Fruit is very useful in antiaging by reducing the free radicals particles in the body. They also help detoxify the body and clean the body by reducing free radicals.
High Fibre Content
Dragon Fruit has exceptional fibre content that helps in various health benefits. Dietary fibres are nondigestible carbohydrates that play an important role in digestion. Research has suggested that there are various other roles of fibre in the body conditions like heart, and diabetes, help to maintain body weight, and protect the colon from cancer chances. High fibre also helps to expel the low-fibre diet and helps to keep the colon clean and healthy. Fibres also help to give relief from stomach disorders and help to keep the stomach healthy condition.
Helps to Strengthen the Immune System
The immune system is directly related to the type and quality of food that a person is consuming. Eating fruits and vegetables always helps to strengthen the immune system without any side effects. Dragon fruit is considered one of the best food for strengthening the immune response. It contains Vitamin C and carotenoids that help to fight against infections and prevent diseases. Regular consumption of the fruit strengthens the immune response.
Help to boost Iron Levels
Dragon fruits contain a good amount of iron, which is crucial for oxygen transportation in the body. Having a good amount of iron is necessary in the body for various functions and control coordination activities. A person with low iron levels can consume dragon fruit regularly to cope with the iron deficiency.
Other Benefits of the Dragon Fruit Include:
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Improves mental functions
- Anti-ageing properties
- Prevents Liver damage
- Helps in Weight Management etc.
How to Consume Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit is a natural fruit and can be consumed through various methods:
- Take dragon fruit make cube-like slices and consume.
- Add yoghurt to dragon fruit slices and eat.
- Mix the dragon fruit with other fruits to make fruit salad and enjoy the taste.
- By adding honey to dragon fruit cubes.
- By making dragon fruit juice.
These are some of the methods of consuming Dragon Fruit for various health benefits.
Conclusion
Dragon Fruit is a tropical fruit with great taste and health benefits. The fruit has been very famous due to its look and taste. Apart from the taste and texture, the fruit has various health benefits. Some health benefits of the fruit include boosting immunity, good for gut health, providing nutrients, good for iron uptake etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit is a tropical fruit with great taste and health benefits. It grows on a climbing cactus known as Hylocereus in the tropical regions. The fruit is high in antioxidants and tastes great.
What are the benefits of Dragon Fruit?
Various benefits of Dragon Fruit include boosting immunity, good for gut health, providing nutrients, good for iron uptake etc.
What are the various side effects of Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit is very safe but it can cause diarrhoea, nausea and stomach upset and can interact with other medications in some cases.
Can I take Dragon Fruit during diabetes?
Yes, you can take Dragon Fruit during diabetes as it has a low glycemic index. Dragon Fruit tends to interact with medication so, it is important to consult the doctor.
Does Dragon Fruit expire?
Natural Dragon Fruit at room temperature can have a shelf life of 3 to 5 days. Other forms of Dragon Fruit can have different expiry dates depending on the packaging.
Can we feed babies with Dragon Fruit?
Yes, we can feed babies more than six months of age and adults. Babies should be given in diluted form and small amounts.
Can I take Dragon Fruit with other medications?
Dragon Fruit tends to interact with other medications. It is important to consult a doctor before taking Dragon Fruit with medication.