Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) Health Benefits & Nutrition
Dragon fruit grows on a vine. Its plant name comes from the Greek word “hyle,” and the Latin word “cereus,”. The scientific name of dragon fruit is Selenicereus undatus. Dragon fruit looks like a lotus. Hence the name of this fruit is also the Sanskrit word Kamalam. It is found in tropical regions. This fruit is mainly found in South America. In Gujarat, dragon fruit is grown on a large scale in parts like Kutch, Navsari, and Saurashtra. There are two types of dragon fruit – one with white pulp and the other with red pulp. Its flowers are very fragrant, which bloom only at night and fall by morning.
Dragon fruit contains natural antioxidants as well as flavonoids, phenolic acid, ascorbic acid, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help boost immunity and control diabetes. This fruit looks like a hot pink and yellow bulb on the outside. Green leaves are wrapped like flames over this whole fruit. The taste of this fruit is sweet which is juicy. It can be used to make marmalade, jellies, salads, and shakes.
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Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) Health Benefits
For Teeth
You can consume dragon fruit to prevent teeth from weakening. Because it is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which can help in making bones strong.
For Digestion
The prebiotic properties of oligosaccharides (a type of chemical compound) present in dragon fruit promote healthy bacteria in the gut. Which can help in keeping the digestive system healthy.
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For the Heart
Dragon fruit is very beneficial for heart disease. Heart disease is caused by increased oxidative stress. Dragon fruit contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, betalains, and ascorbic acid. Due to this the effect of oxidative stress is reduced which helps in protecting the heart. The small black seeds in dragon fruit contain omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are helpful in keeping the heart-healthy.
Cholesterol Control
High cholesterol causes many diseases in the body. Due to this, there is a possibility of heart attack and stroke. In this case, dragon fruit is helpful in controlling cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol can be reduced by consuming red dragon fruit. Along with this, it helps in increasing good cholesterol.
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For Diabetes
Dragon fruit has properties to cure diabetes patients. Dragon fruit contains natural antioxidants as well as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, fiber, and phenolic acid. It controls the amount of blood sugar in the body. Also, for those who are not diabetic patients, if they consume dragon fruits, then they can save themselves from getting diabetes. Diabetes is a disease for which there is no known cure, it can be controlled by making changes in diet and lifestyle. If you are a diabetic patient then consuming dragon fruit can be beneficial for you.
Cancer Relief
Eating dragon fruit reduces the risk of cancer. Dragon fruit has properties like anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant. This property also protects women from breast cancer.
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Stomach Problems
Eating dragon fruit is also beneficial for stomach diseases. The prebiotic properties of oligosaccharides, which are a kind of chemical compound, help in the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestine. It removes stomach and intestinal disorders and makes the stomach and intestine healthy. Dragon fruits also contain fiber and vitamins that improve the digestive system.
For Skin
Dragon fruits can be added to homemade face packs. It contains Vitamin B-3 which helps in keeping dry skin soft and gives a glow to the face.
Benefit in Gout
Arthritis or arthritis causes damage to the joints. This disease affects the joints, due to which there is a pain in the joints, swelling comes, and there is a problem even in getting up and sitting. When oxidative stress increases in the body, it causes arthritis. To control it, it is beneficial to consume dragon fruits.
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Hair Beauty
Nutrients found in dragon fruit, include fatty acids. It helps in improving the health of the hair. Makes hair thick, and long. Many such nutrients are found in dragon fruit, which is considered good not only for health but also for skin and hair. The fatty acids found in it can help in keeping the hair healthy.
Boost Immunity
It is also known as an immunity booster. If our immunity is strong then it will help us to fight against many diseases. If the immune system is better then it eliminates the infection. The health of our body depends on the immune system itself. Therefore it is very important to strengthen the immune system. Strengthen your immune system by consuming dragon fruit. The immune system is made up of certain organs, cells, and chemicals in the body. Dragon fruit works to strengthen immunity. Dragon fruit has antioxidant and antiviral properties, which can help protect against viral infections.
In Pregnancy
Dragon fruit contains iron which is essential for pregnant women because during pregnancy there is anemia in the woman. The reason for this is anemia due to which there is a risk of death of the baby at birth, miscarriage, or premature delivery. If there was a question in your mind about whether dragon fruit should be eaten during pregnancy or not, then you can eat it.
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In Dengue Disease
Dragon fruit seeds are beneficial in the treatment of dengue. Its seeds have antiviral and antioxidant-like properties that reduce the symptoms of dengue and help in curing dengue. does.
Appetizer
People who feel less hungry should eat dragon fruit. The vitamins and fiber contained in dragon fruit remove the problem of digestion. Which helps in increasing appetite.
Asthma will be under Control
There is difficulty in breathing in the disease of asthma, if a dragon fruit is consumed, then there is relief in the disease of asthma. Asthma disease is a chronic disease, so take special care of it. After the advice of the doctor, you must consume dragon fruit. Along with this, it is also beneficial for any kind of allergy.
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For the Brain
Dragon fruit benefits all diseases related to the brain. Oxidative stress not only causes physical but also mental damage. Due to this brain dysfunction such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy also starts.
Make bones and Teeth Strong
Dragon fruit has so many properties that it is beneficial in various diseases. It also contains calcium and phosphorus content. Due to this bones and teeth become strong. If you want to make your teeth strong so that your teeth do not break for a long time, then eat dragon fruit.
Dragon Fruit Nutrition
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sugars: 13 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Calories: 102
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- It also contains these vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
- Vitamin A: 100 international units (IU)
- Iron: 0.1 mg
- Magnesium: 68 mg
- Calcium: 31 mg
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How to Choose Dragon Fruit and Preserve It for a Long Time
- Before buying dragon fruits, some important things should be taken care of. How can I keep it safe for a long time?
- Be sure to check its color while buying it.
- Take special care that there is no stain on the fruit because fruit-related diseases or insects can cause harm.
- To preserve dragon fruit for a long time, keep it in a cool place.
- If it is kept at 7 to 10 degrees Celsius and 90% to 98% humidity then this fruit remains safe for 3 months.
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
- Dragon fruit can be eaten in different ways. If you do not want to eat it directly, then you can eat it by trying different ways. Let’s know how to eat dragon fruit.
- It can also be eaten by mixing it with fruit chaat. Make a chaat of some types of fruits and add pieces of dragon fruit to it.
- It tastes delicious with salad too.
- Eat curd and chopped nuts in their pieces.
- If you can eat it by cutting it directly, then eat it like this.
- Make a jam out of it and eat it.
- Dragon fruit candy is also made.
- If you like shakes, make a shake and drink it.
- Make jelly and apply it to the bread and eat it, children will like it very much.
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Disclaimer
This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details