Have you ever heard of dragon fruit before? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on one of the world’s most nutrient-rich fruits! A popularly known as “pitahaya” in Central America and “nǎijiāo lóng guǒ” in Chinese, dragon fruit has become a trendy fruit to consume and not only does looks amazing, but it tastes great too! With its unique scale-like exterior, out-of-this-world flesh coloration, and sweet flavor, it’s no wonder why dragon fruit is the talk of the town!
Though it is typically consumed in its whole form as a snack, it is also used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Besides being tasty, dragon fruit has plenty of amazing benefits too. Here are 6 of them that you should know:
1. Loaded With Nutrition
Nom nom naga (dragon fruit) contains essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the human body. Dragon fruit is a great source of Vitamin C and Magnesium, both of which help boost the immune system, support heart health, and aid in digestion. It is also loaded with other antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, and dietary fibers.
2. Low in Calories
Dragon fruit has a low-calorie count compared to other fruits such as apples and oranges. One cup of dragon fruit contains 60 calories making it an ideal choice for those looking to watch their weight.
3. Good For The Skin
Dragon fruit is packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and other antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids that help in preventing oxidative damage on the skin caused due to free radicals, thus helping to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.
4. Improves Digestion
The dietary fibers found in dragon fruit help to keep the digestive tract healthy. The fiber content in dragon fruit also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps the risk of diabetes at bay.
5. Boosts Immunity
Dragon fruit is rich in Vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fight against infection and inflammation. It is also rich in beta-carotene and polyphenols, which provide additional protection against inflammation and oxidative stress.
6. May Help Lower Cholesterol
Dragon fruit is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which have been found to be beneficial for heart health. They work to lower cholesterol levels in the body and improve cholesterol ratios.
Final Thoughts
Eating dragon fruit is a great way to get a boost of essential nutrients, while also gaining all its amazing benefits! The best part about it is that its taste is absolutely delightful! So, why not give it a go?