2024-07-02 06:00:03
Rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants and B vitamins, regular consumption can improve skin health, digestion and cardiovascular systems.
latest update: July 3, 2024
Attractive, delicious and exotic, dragon fruit has become the new trending food on social media. If it already fascinates you or you don’t know it yet, you will surely be interested to know what is dragon fruit? What are its main varieties and its possible health benefits?
What is dragon fruit or dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit, called dragon fruit in some places, From tropical and subtropical regions of America. It is also traditionally cultivated in Thailand, and its harvest has spread to other countries around the world with dry and hot climates. The name pitaya means scaly fruit and it originated in West India.
The plant is a cactus that grows vertically and can easily wrap around other plants and supports. The fruit is oval in shape and the outer shell is covered with thick, hard thorns.. The pulp can be different colors (pink, red or white) and contains small black seeds. This is the edible part of the dragon fruit. Its texture is juicy and dense, somewhat similar to gelatin. It tastes very sweet with a hint of sourness and freshness.
Different types of dragon fruit
Today, there are several different varieties of dragon fruit, which vary in the color of their skin and flesh:
White dragon fruit. Pink skin, white flesh and black seeds. It is the most common product on the market in many countries and one of the mildest.Dragon fruit rouge. The skin and flesh are red and can even stain your fingers. It has the strongest flavor and is the variety most reminiscent of kiwi.Pink dragon fruit. The skin is red and the flesh is pink. In terms of taste, it’s somewhere in between the first two.Dragon fruit yellow. Its skin is yellow and its flesh is white and firm.
Are dragon fruit and dragon fruit the same thing?
Although they are very similar specimens, Dragon fruit and dragon fruit are not the same fruit. What they all have in common is that they all come from Central America and Mexico and are grown for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Botanically speaking, they belong to the Cactaceae family. But they belong to two different genres. Dragon fruit comes from genre Stenoceratops And dragon fruit and the like Pitaya. Unlike the dragon fruit we described, the skin of the dragon fruit is green and has very fine thorns on it. However, They taste very similar and can be eaten and used in cooking in the same way.
Nutritional intake of dragon fruit
According to data provided by the agency U.S. Department of Agriculture, The contribution of macronutrients and micronutrients is as follows (per 100 grams of fresh fruit):
Water: 84 grams.
on the other hand, Dragon fruit contains a large number of natural compounds. The most abundant of these are phenolic compounds, betacyanidins, polysaccharides and terpenes.
How many calories are in one dragon fruit?
The energy value of dragon fruit per 100 grams of product is 57 calories. The weight of different samples usually ranges from 200 to 400 grams, from which the shell part must be subtracted. With this in mind, A small pitaya contains regarding 85 to 90 calories, and a large fruit contains regarding 170 calories.
What are the health benefits of dragon fruit?
Due to this component, regular consumption of dragon fruit as part of a healthy lifestyle can help improve certain aspects of health.
1. Helps prevent anemia
Some types of anemia occur due to low iron levels. Eating dragon fruit and other foods rich in this mineral can make it easier to meet recommended daily needs. In addition, it contains vitamin C, which promotes its absorption.
2. Promote intestinal transit
Eating enough fiber-rich foods stimulates the passage of food through the digestive tract, adding bulk to the stool and softening it. for this reason, This helps with bowel movements and reduces the risk of constipation.
3. Prebiotic effect
Due to the presence of fiber, Dragon fruit consumption Promote the growth and activity of intestinal bacteria. What has a positive impact on health:
Prevent the action of pathogenic bacteria.
4. Dragon fruit keeps skin in good condition
Vitamin C supports some of the skin’s key functions and protects it from UV damage And by stimulating collagen synthesis. The latter is the ingredient that keeps skin firm and elastic. Likewise, it has also been observed to have healing activity.
5. Protect heart health
The fiber in dragon fruit may also help reduce cardiovascular risk. This action was due to its Has blood pressure lowering propertieslowering cholesterol in the blood and then preventing it from sticking to artery walls.
6. Dragon fruit helps lose weight
Like most fruits, dragon fruit is composed of a high proportion of water. for this reason, It is a light meal and is ideal as a morning and followingnoon snack. Additionally, the presence of fiber promotes satiety.
7. Regulate blood sugar
Some data suggest that consuming dragon fruit Can lower blood sugar in humans wait Helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
8. Help take care of bones
Calcium, phosphorus and potassium are essential minerals for building bone mass in childhood and adolescence and reducing bone loss in adulthood.
9. Has antioxidant effects
Dragon fruit contains several compounds that protect cells and tissues from excess free radicals. This condition is called oxidative stress and is thought to be linked to aging and the development of certain health problems.
What diseases does dragon fruit help prevent?
As we just saw, one of the benefits of dragon fruit is its antioxidant properties. This is accompanied by the anti-inflammatory properties of some of its ingredients. so, Consuming it can reduce the risk of different diseases:
anemia.
despite this, It must be taken into account that it is not a therapeutic fruit, the prevention of diseases depends on many factors. In order to have beneficial effects, dragon fruit must be consumed as part of an adequate, nutritious and healthy diet. Then follow it with other positive health habits.
What are the benefits of yellow, red and white dragon fruit?
Speaking of dragon fruit types, we find that they are distinguished by the color of their skin and pulp. This also has an impact on nutritional levels.
follow suggestions Attar, Gundersley and other authors, Red meat varieties have higher levels of phenolic compounds The vitamin C content is higher than that of white meat varieties. This results in stronger antioxidant activity.
However, there is little information in this regard to say that red and pink pitayas have more health benefits than white and yellow fruits (i.e. fruits with white flesh).
How to eat dragon fruit and dragon fruit?
Now that we know its nutritional content and properties, let’s quickly review some of the best ways to introduce it into your diet.
It is best to choose specimens with shiny, smooth, malleable skin. If the fruit is very hard, it is not yet ripe. On the other hand, those with soft texture and many spots on the skin have faded a bit.
When storing at home, it’s best to place it in the least cold part of the refrigerator. There is no need to cover it, and it is better not to place it near fruits such as apples, pears and bananas (they speed up ripening).
To use it, Wash and cut in half with a knife. You can then eat it with a spoon (just like kiwi and cherimoya), or remove all the pulp, chop it finely and use it to make other dishes:
Salad fruit salad.
Are there any benefits to eating dragon fruit on an empty stomach?
The time of day to consume it has no known properties. It is important to eat fruits and vegetables regularly And find a time when they can be easily introduced and fully digested.
Are there any contraindications?
in principle, When its consumption is considered food, its consumption is safe for the entire population. This is equivalent to one piece of fruit per day or several days per week. It is best to include it in the diet along with various other fruits, a total of 3 per day.
The only known contraindication is a possible allergy to dragon fruit, so consumption needs to be avoided. On the other hand, people who have to follow a special diet should consult a nutritionist. Beyond that, we’re talking regarding low-fiber, low-FODMAP or low-fructose edible plants.
Enjoy dragon fruit and its health properties
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that attracts the interest of many consumers with its delicious taste and attractive appearance. It is a food with an interesting nutritional profile, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber and a variety of antioxidant compounds.
It can be eaten with a spoon or cut into cubes. But it also goes well with yogurt, fruit salad or salad. Regardless, regular consumption of it (along with various other fruits) has positive effects on the heart, intestinal transit, skin, and bones (among others). Of course, to benefit from its properties, it is necessary to develop other healthy habits to complement your diet.
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