Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya fruit in some parts of the world, is one of the fruits that are conquering the market at present. With its colorful and unique dragon-like appearance, this fruit is now embraced in South America, Asia, and Central America.
But what is the difference between dragon fruit and other kinds of fruit available in the market that most people are even willing to pay as much as $10 per piece? Is the fruit worth its price?
IT IS FULL OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS YOUR BODY NEEDS.
Aside from its beautiful outer look, sweet fresh taste, and crunchy texture, a piece of dragon fruit is full of nutrients and antioxidants that everybody can benefit from. Based on the facts gathered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100g dragon fruit has the following nutritional value, which include protein (3.57 g), calories (264), dietary fiber (1.8g), carbohydrate (82.14 g), sugar (82.14 g), vitamin C (6.4 mg), sodium (39 mg), and calcium (107 mg), as enumerated by the health blog posted by Medical News Today.
IT IS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS, WHICH CAN ELIMINATE FREE RADICALS.
Free radicals are the culprits of why your body deteriorate fast. It destroys the cell, which could lead to several illnesses, even cancer, and diabetes. Dragon fruit can help alter this by supplying antioxidants that act as soldiers against these harmful molecules. Some of the antioxidants this fruit has to include betalains, carotenoids, and vitamin C, as revealed by Health Line.
IT CAN HELP CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS.
In a study posted in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers were able to discover the link between consuming dragon fruit and controlling glucose rates to people who are prediabetic and suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Their studies reveal that by consuming this fruit, the body is encouraged to grow pancreatic cells, which is responsible for producing insulin. The more fruits consumed, the better are its benefits to the body.
There are still other benefits this fruit can bring to the body. These include keeping your body's youthfulness, improving your cardiovascular health, aiding in healthier digestion, and boosting your body's immunity.
With all its benefits, great texture, and mouth-watering taste, eating a lot of this fruit, especially the red-variety, can be so tempting. Experts say, there is but one disadvantage when it comes to consuming it, and that is it could make your urine and stool red. No need to be worried about it though, reminds the experts, as it is only due to its red pigment called betalains.
