Who doesn't recognized that odd-looking pink-tinted fruit on the shelves of the fruit stalls and grocery stores that seem to be coming from another planet? If you haven't known and tasted it yet, surely this fruit brings out your curiosity on what it is and how does it taste like. Introducing the eye-catching “Dragon Fruit or Pitaya or Strawberry pear”. It is an exotic-looking fruit that attracts many health-conscious consumers with its health benefits. It has a bright magenta/ hot pink color with spike-like green leaves shooting up and white stuff inside dotted with black seeds which is safe to eat. It grows in a climbing cactus called hylocereus which can be found in tropical countries. It is juicy with mildly sweet taste which often compared to the pear and kiwi. This is an ideal ingredient for smoothies and fruit salads.
Dragon fruit is acclaimed as a “superfood” because of being low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and containing healthy fatty acids and prebiotics.
It is also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin. These natural substances work by neutralizing free radicals that will prevent cell damage and inflammation. It’s loaded with high in fiber and nutrients. It’s a good choice for snacks because it can keep you full and it can also help to lose weight.
This amazing fruit can strengthen your immune system because it is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants which are good for your immune system. It may also help lower your blood sugar level. Furthermore, it can boost your iron levels due to its Vitamin C content. Dragon fruit contains prebiotics and having more prebiotics in your system can improve the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract.
Every part of the dragon fruit has its purpose, even the skin can be mixed in salad. When it comes to fruit consumption, don’t just take a single variety. Try to include other fruits in your diet and you can definitely experience the health benefits out of them.
NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar, RND
References:
- Dragon Fruit. website: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-dragon-fruit
- 7 great reasons to add Dragon Fruit to your diet. website: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dragon-fruit-benefits
