12 Surprising Benefits Of Dragon Fruit You Never Knew

Dragon fruit grows on a climbing cactus called Hylocereus, which you’ll find in tropical regions around the world. The name comes from the Greek word “hyle,” which means “woody,” and the Latin word “cereus,” which means “waxen.”

Also known as pitaya, these fun-looking fruits contain around 60 calories each and are rich in vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. And that’s not all. This is definitely one of the best “super fruits” out there.

Though likely native to Mexico and Central America, they are now grown commercially in places all over the world. This includes some parts of the United States, including Hawaii, California, and Florida, as well as Israel, Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Have a look at these 12 surprising benefits of Dragon Fruit you never knew.

1. Fill Up On Fiber

To clean up your digestive system, eat a dragon fruit. They have a high fiber content, which can assist with poor digestion and constipation. Eating the flesh and seeds, which contain good protein, will keep your body fortified and satisfied.

2. Low Cholesterol

Dragon fruit is extremely low in terms of cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats. Regular consumption of the fruit can not only be refreshing but also help you in maintaining a healthy heart in the long run. Those of you who are on a weight loss regime, it may be a good idea to include it in your diet. Moreover, the seeds present in the fruit are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for your well-being.

3. It Helps Prevent and Fight Cancer

Dragon fruit contains antioxidants called hydroxycinnamates, which can help prevent cancer. It also contains lycopene, a powerful compound also found in tomatoes, which has been shown to be beneficial in protecting against chemical and natural toxins.

4. High in Nutrients

Dragon fruit is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber.

Here’s a rundown of the main nutrients in a one-cup serving (227 grams)

Calories: 136

Protein: 3 grams

Fat: 0 grams

Carbohydrates: 29 grams

Fiber: 7 grams

Iron: 8% of the RDI

Magnesium: 18% of the RDI

Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI

Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI

Beyond essential nutrients, dragon fruit supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins.

5. Prebiotic properties

Eating dragon fruit has a prebiotic effect on the body that enhances digestion and nourishes gut bacteria, according to a study in the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology.

Dragon fruit contains carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which researchers believe help stimulate the growth of healthful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Doctors also call these bacteria probiotics because they support many aspects of human health.

Benefits of prebiotics such as those present in dragon fruit include enhanced digestion, enhanced immune system function, and a lower risk of intestinal infections.

6. Skin Care

The exotic fruit is commonly used in natural remedies for beauty because of its high antioxidant content as well as vitamins. Ancient beauty practices in the Southeast Asian countries believe that making a paste of dragon fruit flesh and applying it regularly on the face can help in slowing down the process of ageing, making you look younger. The paste is also used in treating acne and sunburn.

7. Boost Your Iron Levels

Six ounces of chopped dragon fruit provide 1.26 mg of iron.

Iron is important for transporting oxygen throughout your body and to your organs. It’s also necessary for metabolism, growth, and development, among many other intricate processes in the body.

If you’re looking to boost your iron stores naturally, you may want to consider adding pitaya to your diet. Vitamin C helps enhance your iron absorption, so having both nutrients in a pitaya makes for a sweet package deal.

8. Heart Healthy

Americans have increasing problems maintaining cardiovascular health. Fortunately, this fruit has an amazing superpower that helps decrease bad cholesterol levels and replenish good levels. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay in great condition.

9. Good Source of Vitamin C

Since dragon fruit is a good source of vitamin C, it helps in strengthening immunity, aiding the absorption of iron by the body, producing collagen which makes our teeth healthier, and promoting healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin C also helps boost your immunity, thereby keeping you from getting sick.

10. Suppresses Arthritis

Arthritis directly affects the joints and causes severe irritation and immobility. Adding dragon fruit to your diet can help you fight these ailments. Dragon fruit’s benefits for people suffering from arthritis are so great that it’s commonly referred to as the “anti-inflammatory fruit.”

11. Support Healthy Bones

Dragon fruit contains magnesium, an essential mineral for maintaining a strong skeletal system. One cup provides 80 mg of magnesium, which is one-quarter of the minimum daily recommendation.

12. Treating Coloured Hair

Dragon fruit juice is an excellent agent for treating coloured hair. By simply putting the juice or a conditioner containing dragon fruit on your scalp, you can protect your chemically treated or coloured hair. This will keep the hair follicles open, allowing your hair to breathe and remain healthy and smooth.