Do you know what happens when you eat dragonfruit daily?
Introduction:
Dragonfruit is an odd-looking red fruit. It looks almost like mango with a skin condition, spiky fingers which looks like flames or dragon scales. It is also known as pitaya.
It is known well among Americans and popular among Central Americans and Southeast Asian. People who like the flavour of a crunchy blend of kiwi fruit and pear mostly like this fruit. The colour of the flesh of the fruit ranges from white to red and has edible seeds. Its skin ranges from yellow to red.
Dragon fruit is from the family cactus and has various health benefits. Keep reading to know how eating dragon fruit can do to your health.
Fights Cancer:
The red colour of dragon fruit is due to the presence of lycopene in it. Carotenoids help in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers state that lab tests showed it halted the cancerous growth in the lungs, breast and endometrial.
Prevents Glaucoma:
It is known that dragon fruit can inhibit the activity of P450. The cytochrome aids in metabolism pathways like cellular respiration. Mutated P450 is associated with the development of congenital glaucoma. Dragon fruit also improves vision.
How to pick a dragon fruit?
● Choose a slightly soft fruit.
● Slice the fruit lengthwise.
● You can either scoop out the flesh or quarter and peel it.
The rind is leathery and bitter. You can eat it raw or make it into a smoothie or add it to your salad or make pancakes. You can find amazing recipes on the internet.
Nourishment:
Dragon fruit is a nutrient-packed snack. Three and a half ounces of dragon fruit contains about 52 calories, a reasonable amount of fibre and carbs and healthy fat. It also contains one-third of the daily requirement of Vitamin C and around 10% of iron needed. Have in mind that dragon fruit contains a high amount of sucrose and eat in moderation.
Better heart health:
The seeds of dragon fruit contain a rich amount of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Having a sufficient amount of omega acids can give you almost good functioning of your overall body. It can improve your eyesight and protect you from heart disease. Dragon fruit oil also gives the same result but is difficult to acquire.
Vitamins:
We need a particular type of Vitamin B to break down the food and help in the process of digestion. It is also linked to brain functioning, mood, energy and skin rashes. Dragon fruit contains a variety of Vitamin Bs.
Vitamin C is known to support the immune system and assists in improving skin and prevents scarring. Dragon fruit is also good for heart and brain health. Just one serving of dragon fruit contains 34% of the RDA of Vitamin C.
Bone health:
Dragon fruit also contains iron, phosphorus and calcium. We know that calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. We easily get them from milk. You can add dragon fruit to your smoothie to boost the intake.
Iron is vital for transporting oxygen around the body and to maintain healthy cells. Women generally need more iron and I would suggest taking this fruit when you don't like organ meat. Phosphorus is responsible for healthy cells and tissues.
Phytochemicals:
Phytochemicals are compounds present in plants. Studies show that dragon fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals associated with heart health along with omega-3, lung health and improve vascular systems and also have anti-inflammatory properties.
As the research is started recently more study needs to be done and more positive effects are yet to be found. It might also contain several other phytochemicals that boost our overall health.
Prebiotic characteristics:
Consuming dragon fruit have prebiotic effects which stimulate digestion and nourishes gut bacteria.
This fruit also contains oligosaccharides, a carbohydrate that researchers believe to produce good bacteria in the stomach and intestine.
Lowers cholesterol:
Regular intake of dragon fruit aids in reducing cholesterol both saturated and trans fat. Regular consumption can not only make you refreshing but also help you maintain a healthy heart in the long run. If you are planning to lose weight then don’t forget to add dragon fruit to your diet regime. The seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids which is also good for our health.
Coloured hair:
Dragon fruit is used to treat coloured hair. Simply applying the juice or conditioner with dragon fruit on your hair can protect your chemically treated hair. This will help your hair to breathe and remain healthy, smooth and shiny.
Stifle arthritis:
Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints which leads to immobility and irritation. Adding this fruit can help in fighting these disorders. Suggestions of dragon fruit for people with arthritis is so common that this fruit is also called anti-inflammatory fruit.
The classic skin:
Dragon fruit is commonly used for beauty and skin remedies as it contains several antioxidants and nutrients. According to ancient beauty practices followed by Southeast Asians, applying a paste of dragon fruit flesh on the skin regularly can reduce the process of ageing. This paste can also be used to treat acne and sunburn.
Potassium:
Potassium assists in maintaining water content, acid balance in the body. Regular intake of potassium is essential for the cellular, nervous functioning of the body. As dragon fruit has a good amount of potassium it is advised to take it regularly. According to a study done in Japan, people with diabetes taking potassium on a regular basis helps in protecting their heart and kidney.
Conclusion:
Dragon fruit can be new to most of you and a weird looking fruit. It contains several nutrients which aid in preventing cancer and also prevents depression leading to any heart disorder. Taking on fruit a day would be good for your health. So, go give it a try.
If you don’t like taking it raw try making a smoothie, you can find an n-number of recipes on the internet. Experimenting with new foods is part of fu in this global economy whereas dragon fruit is worth the effort.
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