FOOD
Five Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
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It’s the fruit that’s popping up everywhere. From the produce aisles to the freezer section, Dragon Fruit is having a culinary moment thanks to its delicious taste and excellent health benefits.
Whether you consume Dragon Fruit in a smoothie or eat it like a regular fruit, this tropical fruit, also called a pitaya or strawberry pear is a nutritional powerhouse low in calories and fat-free.
Rich in Fiber
According to Healthline, dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber containing 7 grams per one-cup serving. Eating dragon fruit will help keep you fuller for longer, aid in digestion, and keep constipation at bay, and it even contains prebiotics – great for the good bacteria in our guts.
High in Antioxidants
Studies suggest that eating foods high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. According to Healthline, dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and betalain, which may have the ability to suppress cancer cells.
Iron Booster
Eating dragon fruit may help boost your levels if you’re low on iron. Healthline reports it is one of the few fresh fruits to contain iron, with one serving containing 8 percent of the recommended daily intake. As an additional boost, dragon fruit is also high in vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron.
Heart Healthy
According to My Blue Tea, dragon fruit can help keep our hearts healthy thanks to its levels of monounsaturated fats. It also contains flavonoids and antioxidant pigments that are good for the heart, and the fruit’s little black seeds are chock-full of omega-3 and omega-9 fats.
Reduces Inflammation
Everyday Health reports that eating dragon fruit may help ward off chronic pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and can help decrease irritation of the joints. The fruit has anti-inflammatory properties that can act as a natural painkiller for people suffering from inflammation.
