Dragon Fruit
A bite of this wildly nutritious tropical superfood can
deliver a cornucopia of benefits for the human body. Dragon fruit, also known
as pitaya, can be either sweet or sour, depending on the species. The most
common form of dragon fruit, which is smaller than a cantaloupe, red, and
covered with spiky growths, can protect the body from aging and diabetes.
In the U.S., the exotic fruit has gone under the radar
compared to many mainstream fruits and health foods, such as apples and kale.
Typically, it is widely distributed from South Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii,
Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, and Vietnam, according to the University of Florida.
Dragon fruit also undergoes food irradiation in the U.S. when shipped from
overseas to improve its safety and extend its shelf life by reducing or
eliminating microorganisms and insects.
Although exotic, it is safe for consumption even by pregnant
and breastfeeding mothers, and continues to grow in popularity while becoming
more affirdable in the U.S. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, but it is also a
rich source of fatty acids. Kevin Meehan, a holistic practitioner and founder
of Meehan Formulations and owner of Teton Valley Health Clinic in Jackson,
Wyo., told Medical Daily in an email: “It is not this fruit's vitamin C content
which gives it the health potential but rather its fatty acid and phosphorus
content.”
Replenish your body and feed it the six benefits of this
tropical superfood.
1. Anti-Aging
Antioxidants are essential for keeping the skin tight and
firm. They fight off free radicals that circle around the body that are known
to cause problems like cancer. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants
due to its vitamin C content.
Meehan reminds eaters probably the most overlooked nutrient
in this fruit is its phosphorus punch. “One of the most important key
regulatory events in our cells require phosphorus and the phospolipids are
primary components of cellular membranes. This could help in preventing
premature aging,” he said.
2. Cancer Prevention
Aside from vitamin C, dragon fruit contains carotene, which
is linked to several anti-carcinogenic qualities, including reducing a number
of tumors. Moreover, lycopene, responsible for the red color in dragon fruit,
has been shown to be linked to lower prostate cancer risk. A 2011 study
published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found lycopene
intake of less than 2,498 mcg/day increased the risk of prostate cancer,
whereas a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and lycopene-rich foods,
including being physically active, can significantly reduce the risk.
Moreover, the peel of dragon fruit contains polyphenols,
which are chemicals often found in nature. “There is the possibility that some
of these polyphenols work as affinities to estrogen receptors and possibly
alter the attachment behavior of this and other hormones to their receptor
sites on cells,” Meehan said. “This could be one reason why it may protect
against certain forms of cancer.”
3. Cardiovascular Health
Dragon fruit can help boost your heart health, as it
decreases bad cholesterol levels while improving the good levels. A 2010 study
published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research found the consumption of dragon
fruit may lower the risks of developing heart disease and developing high blood
pressure. This exotic fruit is also a good source of monosaturated fats which
help to keep our heart in good condition.
4. Diabetes
The high amount of fiber in this exotic fruit can help
stabilize a person’s blood sugar levels. It also helps to inhibit the sugar
spikes that occur after eating high glycemic index foods. In the same study in
the journal of Pharmacognosy Research, researchers found dragon fruit had a
valuable effect on the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness in diabetic rats.
This suggests regular consumption of the fruit could be beneficial in
preventing common issues linked to diabetes.
5. Digestion
Dragon fruit has a significant fiber content. This means it
can improve the body’s bowel movements by facilitating the passage through the
digestive tract. The consumption of this exotic fruit can help reduce the
chances of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Immunity Booster
The high levels of vitamin C found in dragon fruit can give
the body’s immune system a boost while also stimulating the activity of other
antioxidants. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals, and
pytoalbumin is involved in fighting free radicals and possessing antioxidant
properties. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as calcium, phosphorous, iron,
protein, niacin, and fiber also contribute to improving the functioning of your
immune system.
Add this exotic fruit to your diet to feed yourself back to
good health.
Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-dragon-fruit-6-health-reasons-eat-more-exotic-fruit-341194
