Dragon Fruit
Healthy Habits; Dragon Fruit
I finally got an opportunity to try this odd looking fruit recently. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has bright pink skin with a large amount of fruit inside that resembles a kiwi. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s also very hydrating, high in fiber, and could be a perfect fruit for diabetics to add into their diet, because it contains less sugar than other tropical fruits.
Here are some of the possible health benefits dragon fruit provides:
- promotes optimal digestion
- cardioprotective
- strengthens the immune system
- helps prevent cancer/fight cancer cells
- promotes healthy skin/nails/hair
- soothes nerves
- reduces anxiety & stress
- promotes kidney health
- helps in building/maintaining strong bones & teeth
- can help prevent osteoporosis later in life
- can help prevent diabetes
- improves eyesight
- boosts gut health
- improves metabolism rate
- antibacterial
- anti-fungal
- helps lower bad cholesterol
- aids in weight loss/weight management
- helps with stabilizing blood sugar levels
One dragon fruit contains almost 9 grams of calcium, which is essential for the healthy formation of bones and repair. It is low-calorie, low-carb, loaded with vitamin C, and is also rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium and iron.
If you can’t find dragon fruit at your grocery store, ask the produce manager if they can stock it. Otherwise, you may have to order the whole fruit online, just as you might with some other tropical fruits. Eating the fresh, raw, whole fruit is best. You can slice it in half, and simply eat it with a spoon, like you would an avocado.
Juicing is a great way to have dragon fruit as well. Scoop out the fruit, cut it into cubes, and either use a juicer, or blender. www.medicalnewstoday.
Be Well and God Bless You.
Jennifer Wimmer
