Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit that has become more popular in recent years. It grows on the Hylocereus cactus, sometimes called the Honolulu queen. The fruit is known for its special look and taste, and it gives several health benefits.
A 100-gram portion of dragon fruit gives about 57 calories. It has 0.36 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.14 grams of fat. The carbohydrates are mostly simple sugars and fiber.
Dragon fruit is a good source of many vitamins and minerals. It has magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. It also has smaller amounts of calcium and copper, which are also important for good health.
One main antioxidant found in dragon fruit is betalains, which are found in the pulp of red dragon fruit. These deep red pigments have been shown to significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and other health risk factor markers. Dragon fruit also has hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids, which have shown anticancer activity and are linked to better brain health and a lower risk of heart disease.
Even though dragon fruit has sugar, it has a low glycemic index, which means it shouldn’t cause big increases in blood sugar levels. This makes it a good food for people with diabetes.
But, like any food, dragon fruit should be eaten in a balanced way as part of a healthy diet. While it has many health benefits, it also has natural sugars. Eating too many could lead to gaining weight over time.
In conclusion, dragon fruit is a nutritious and tasty fruit that gives many health benefits. Whether you like it fresh, add it to a smoothie, or include it in a salad, dragon fruit can be a great addition to your meals.
Reports: