It’s a fruit that’s pink and has pointy green scales and it may breathe fire… what is it? Dragon fruit of course! Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya is am usual fruit even by exotic standards. Grown and exported in Thailand, dragon fruit is actually part of the cactus family (that explains the green scales!) and comes in four varieties; three are pink-skinned, one with white flesh, one with red flesh, and the third with purple flesh. The fourth variety has yellow skin with white flesh. All have tiny black seeds that are edible, just like kiwifruit.
Dragon fruit isn’t only an adventurous tropical fruit, it is also packed with loads of nutrients which gives it a bunch of health benefits. Take a look below:
Immune System
Dragon fruit is loaded with antioxidants and several minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus to help fight free radicals and keep your immune system running smoothly. Dragon fruit is also packed with vitamin C which is perfect for fighting the flu and boosting your immune system. It even has more vitamin C than carrots!
Bone Health and Density
Dragon fruit contains a fair amount of magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium aids stronger bones and good bone health. The benefits of other fruits compared to this superfruit are humerus.
Weight Loss
Reaching your weight loss goals can be a big challenge, and high-calorie foods don’t help. Lucky for you, you can have a dragon on your side. Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit as one whole fruit contains just 60 calories and only eight grams of sugar. This is amazing compared to other fruits, for example, one apple is 80 to 100 calories
Digestion and Gut Health
Fibre and Oligosaccharides. This is the best combination to improve digestion and gut health and guess what? Dragon fruit contains them all! Fibre can help get rid of any constipation issues whilst oligosaccharides work as a prebiotic to help improve gut health. So to hem with your morning bowel movement, be sure to add some to our breakfast oatmeal!
Heart Health
Studies have shown that dragon fruit has the ability to lower bad cholesterol while at the same time increasing good cholesterol. It doesn’t get better than this superfruit when looking for cholesterol-lowering foods. Let’s also remember that the little black seeds in dragon fruit are not there for nothing. They are rich in fact rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids that are good for the heart and reduce your risks of cardiovascular diseases.
