Dragon fruit has gained numerous recognition throughout the globe lately, turning into a brand new unique tremendous fruit.
Its plant, Hylocereus cactus, also referred to as the Honolulu queen, is native to elements of southern Mexico and Central America and is now grown in lots of elements of the world. The truth is, on account of its rising recognition and consumption in India, the cultivation of dragon fruit has been inspired in Kutch, Gujarat and can be given a Sanskrit identify, ‘kamalam’, that means lotus on account of its resemblance to a flower. There are various extra names for dragon fruit, together with pitaya, pithaya, strawberry pear, and many others.
On this weblog, we’ll cowl every part concerning the fruit— how dragon fruit tastes, the dietary worth of purple dragon fruit, benefits for skin and health, dragon fruit unwanted side effects, the best way to eat dragon fruit and recipes to include it within the each day food regimen.
Look and Style of Dragon Fruit
One of many causes for dragon fruit’s recognition is its distinctive look and style. Whereas most realize it for its signature scorching pink shade with inexperienced horn-like leaves, there are different varieties whereby the skin is yellow. However the yellow dragon fruit advantages and style stay the identical as these of the purple or pink color. The interior half is a fleshy white color embedded with tiny black seeds.
Dragon fruit is mildly candy with a touch of tanginess. To match, the style is extra of a fusion of pear and kiwi. The fruit additionally has a robust purple/pink pigment, and it could additionally briefly change the color of your urine if consumed in a bigger amount, however it’s innocent.
Dragon Fruit Vitamin Info
Dragon fruit isn’t simply an exotic-looking tropical fruit however can be a powerhouse of macronutrients, nutritional vitamins and minerals. Decrease than 100 kcal dragon fruit energy (100 g) and its low glycemic index (GI) make it a guilt-free, wholesome and engaging snack for these seeking to lose/handle their weight and diabetics.
Let’s take a better take a look at the nutritional value of purple dragon fruit for 75 grams, i.e., often the scale of 1 dragon fruit.
- Energy – 51 kcal
- Protein – 0.51 g
- Carbohydrates (by distinction) – 12.2 g
- Fiber (whole dietary) – 1.35 g
- Complete Sugars – 9 g
- Potassium – 154 mg
- Vitamin C (whole ascorbic acid) – 14.8 mg
- Calcium – 9.75 g
- Niacin – 0.267 mg
By way of macronutrients, right here’s the breakdown:
- Dragon fruit protein: Whereas the protein content material in dragon fruit is lower than a gram per fruit, its low sugar and calorie content material make it an ideal snack.
- Dragon fruit fiber: A dragon fruit has round 1 gram of dietary fiber. When eaten together with different protein-rich meals, it could assist enhance digestion and promote fullness.
- Dragon fruit sugar content material: With nearly 8-9 grams of pure sugars giving the dragon fruit its mildly candy style, dragon fruit is nice to curb candy cravings naturally, making it ultimate for weight-watchers and diabetics.
Now, let’s discuss dragon fruit nutritional vitamins and minerals:
- Dragon fruit Vitamin C: Covers about 20–30% of your each day wants, serving to increase immunity and pores and skin well being.
- Dragon fruit potassium: Comprises 110–130mg per fruit which will contribute to fluid stability, nerve operate, and coronary heart well being.
Well being Advantages of Dragon Fruit
In case you are nonetheless questioning, “Is dragon fruit good for well being?”, we share not simply 1 or 2 however 6 pink dragon fruit advantages on your well being that can persuade you so as to add it to your each day food regimen.
#1
Dragon fruit advantages for diabetes
Having decrease sugar content material and a low glycemic index (GI), dragon fruit can assist regulate blood sugar ranges, serving to within the efficient administration of diabetes. The pure sugars giving a light candy style can even assist diabetic sufferers curb their sugar cravings and revel in this nutrient-packed fruit guilt-free.
#2
Dragon fruit can help immune operate
Dragon fruit is wealthy in antioxidants and vitamin C, which assist the physique battle off infections and improve power ranges. So, including it to a balanced food regimen can assist strengthen your immunity naturally.
#3
Dragon fruit is sweet for digestion
Loaded with dietary fiber, antioxidants and different vitamins, consuming dragon fruit can assist regulate bowel actions and ease bloating and different indigestion points.
#4
Dragon fruit improves coronary heart well being
Dragon fruit additionally comprises betalains (a pigment) and flavonoids, which can scale back dangerous ldl cholesterol (LDL). These highly effective antioxidants can also forestall oxidative harm, decreasing the danger of coronary heart illness and supporting general cardiovascular operate. So, this tasty and unique fruit is undoubtedly a heart-friendly selection!
#5
Dragon fruit advantages for pores and skin
The anti-aging and hydrating properties of dragon fruit make it nice on your long-term pores and skin well being. Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidant content material, dragon fruit helps battle free radicals, enhance pores and skin texture, and provides your pores and skin a pure glow.
#6
Dragon fruit is nice for weight administration
Is dragon fruit good for weight reduction? The reply is sure!
Low in energy and excessive in fiber, dragon fruit retains you feeling full for longer, decreasing the possibilities of overeating, making it the last word guilt-free and wholesome snack so as to add to your weight-loss food regimen.
Facet Results of Dragon Fruit & Different Concerns
Excessive in vitamins and loaded with antioxidants, dragon fruit is mostly secure and wholesome for most individuals. Nonetheless, it’s good to pay attention to potential dragon fruit unwanted side effects for some folks:
Allergic Reactions: In case you are allergic to dragon fruit, you shouldn’t eat it in any type as you might expertise allergic reactions comparable to swelling of the tongue, hives, or a light rash. Nonetheless, if it’s your first time making an attempt this tropical fruit, it’s advisable to have it in a small amount and observe for any uncommon indicators of allergy symptoms. In any case, it’s at all times higher to be secure than sorry!
Digestive points: Dragon fruit has a light laxative impact on account of its excessive water and fiber content material. Consuming giant quantities might often result in digestive discomfort like bloating, upset abdomen or diarrhea.
Threat of kidney stones: Individuals who have a historical past of growing kidney stones ought to keep away from consuming dragon fruit or eat it sparsely after consulting with their healthcare supplier. It is because it comprises oxalates and can be embedded with tiny seeds, each of which can contribute to kidney stone formation.
Dragon Fruit Makes use of: Fast and Straightforward Recipes For You To Attempt
Listed below are three wonderful recipes utilizing dragon fruit that you need to strive at residence:
1. Dragon Fruit Raita
A terrific recipe for summers, it’s a nice accompaniment to your lunches, and for individuals who are on their weight reduction journey, can get pleasure from it as a guilt-free naturally candy dessert additionally.
Substances:
Hung Curd/ Greek Yoghurt: 100 grams
Dragon Fruit: 1 (75 grams), peeled and white half lower into small cubes
Cumin Powder: ¼ tsp
Mustard seeds: ¼ tsp
Mint leaves – 4-5, finely chopped (optionally available)
Salt to style
Preparation:
Take the hung curd and add dragon fruit, cumin powder and salt to it. Now, take a frying pan for tadka and take a drop of ghee or oil and put the mustard seeds and allow them to splatter. Add it to your raita and garnish it with chopped mint leaves and serve it chilled.
2. Dragon Fruit & Blueberry Shake
A simple recipe that’s prepared in only a few minutes, the dragon fruit & blueberry shake is a refreshing breakfast possibility that can maintain you energized and full for longer.
Substances:
Dragon Fruit: 1 (75-100 grams), peeled and roughly lower
Blueberries: 25 grams
Milk of selection: 1 cup (240 ml)
Dates: 3, deseeded
Almonds: 5, chopped
Preparation:
Pour the milk of your selection right into a mixer. Add dragon fruit, blueberries and dates to the mixer. Mix it till easy. For a creamier texture, you possibly can add 2-3 ice cubes. Sprinkle chopped almonds on prime and your shake is prepared! In case you need to make a smoothie, simply change milk with Greek yogurt and add nut muesli to pack an additional crunch.
3. Summer season Dragon Fruit & Corn Salad
In the event you like a mixture of one thing candy and savory, that is the proper salad to strive immediately!
Substances:
Dragon Fruit: 50 grams (lower into cubes)
Candy Corn: 30 grams (boiled or steamed)
Lettuce – a small bunch (lower into cubes)
Feta Cheese/ Cottage Cheese – 25 grams
For Dressing:
Honey Mustard Sauce: 2 tsp
Mayonnaise/ Hung Curd – 2 tbsp
Chilli Flakes – a pinch
Black pepper & Salt as per style
Lemon – 1 tsp
Pomegranate kernels – 2-3 tsp (for garnishing)
Different Concerns
- Is Dragon Fruit Good for Being pregnant?
Sure, in truth, many well being consultants spotlight dragon fruit advantages in being pregnant. It has important vitamins like vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and likewise comprises hint quantities of folate and Vitamin B-complex, which not solely boosts immunity and maintains blood well being but in addition helps in fetal growth. The excessive fiber content material additionally helps ease constipation, a standard downside amongst many pregnant girls.
Nonetheless, there could also be some unwanted side effects of dragon fruit in being pregnant. If consumed in extra, it would trigger abdomen upset or free stools on account of its fiber and pure sugars. So, it’s at all times higher to seek the advice of your healthcare supplier earlier than you embrace dragon fruit in your being pregnant food regimen.
- Does dragon fruit trigger a chilly?
There’s no scientific proof that dragon fruit causes chilly. The truth is, its excessive Vitamin C content material helps increase immunity and battle off seasonal infections and flu. Nonetheless, these delicate to chilly meals & drinks ought to devour them at room temperature.
- Are there any long-term results of dragon fruit?
No identified dangerous long-term results of dragon fruit have been recorded in wholesome people. However, the pigment of the dragon fruit might trigger a brief however innocent change within the color of your urine and stools, particularly when consumed in bigger portions.
- Is dragon fruit cool or scorching?
Dragon fruit is taken into account a ‘cooling fruit’ on account of its excessive water and antioxidant content material which makes it a hydrating and refreshing fruit, ultimate for summers.
Learn how to Eat a Dragon Fruit?
Whereas dragon fruit has gained numerous recognition lately, it’s nonetheless a comparatively new unique fruit available in the market. So, if you’re somebody who might be making an attempt dragon fruit for the primary time, allow us to information you on the proper methods to eat it.
At first, you must wash the dragon fruit totally with clear water to scrub away any mud particles and pesticides. Now, if you don’t want to take away the peel, lower the dragon fruit vertically in half. Now, you possibly can simply scoop the white flesh with a spoon or a small ice cream scooper and revel in it. The black seeds are edible and have a refined nutty taste. One other method of consuming it’s peeling the laborious, outer pores and skin after which chopping it into slices or small cubes as desired.
Preparation:
Take a bowl and add dragon fruit, candy corn, and lettuce. Put together the dressing by mixing every part in a separate bowl and add it to the salad bowl. Give it a great combine and add feta cheese/cottage cheese. Combine it once more calmly. Garnish it with some pomegranate kernels and revel in!
Steadily Requested Questions
Q1. What are the advantages of consuming dragon fruit?
Ans. Dragon fruit is filled with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants which will assist increase your immune system, help wholesome digestion, and maintain your pores and skin glowing. It could additionally promote coronary heart well being and assist stability blood sugar ranges, making it a scrumptious and refreshing snack you can add to your balanced food regimen.
Q2. What number of energy are in 1 dragon fruit?
Ans. A daily-sized dragon fruit (about 100g) comprises roughly 68 energy, relying on the variability and ripeness. So, when you’re counting watching your weight or are diabetic, dragon fruit is a lightweight, low-calorie and nutrient-packed snack.
Q3. How do you eat dragon fruit?
Ans. Peeling it could really feel difficult for these consuming dragon fruit the primary time, however in actuality, it’s fairly easy. You possibly can simply slice the fruit in half (vertically) and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Or you might peel the outer layer, lower the interior speckled layer of the fruit into cubes and revel in! You possibly can eat it as is, add it to your smoothies, salads, or shakes!
This fall. Is Dragon Fruit Good for Being pregnant?
Ans. Sure, in truth, many well being consultants spotlight dragon fruit advantages in being pregnant. It has important vitamins like vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and likewise comprises hint quantities of folate and Vitamin B-complex, which not solely boosts immunity and maintains blood well being but in addition helps in fetal growth. The excessive fibre content material additionally helps ease constipation, a standard downside amongst many pregnant girls.
Nonetheless, there could also be some unwanted side effects of dragon fruit in being pregnant. If consumed in extra, it would trigger abdomen upset or free stools on account of its fiber and pure sugars. So, it’s at all times higher to seek the advice of your healthcare supplier earlier than you embrace dragon fruit in your being pregnant food regimen.
Q5. Is dragon fruit good for folks with diabetes?
Ans. Sure, dragon fruit has a low glycemic index and comprises fibre that helps in regulating blood sugar ranges, making it a wholesome selection for these with diabetes.
Q6. Are you able to eat dragon fruit seeds?
Ans. Sure, the tiny black seeds embedded within the white flesh of the fruit are utterly edible and truly good for you. They add a nutty flavour and a crunch to the fruit and are a supply of the fruit’s wholesome fat and fibre.
Q7. Does dragon fruit trigger a chilly?
Ans. There’s no scientific proof that dragon fruit causes chilly. The truth is, its excessive Vitamin C content material helps increase immunity and battle off seasonal infections and flu. Nonetheless, these delicate to chilly meals & drinks ought to devour them at room temperature.
Q8. Are there any long-term results of dragon fruit?
Ans. No identified dangerous long-term results of dragon fruit have been recorded in wholesome people. However, the pigment of the dragon fruit might trigger a brief however innocent change within the color of your urine and stools, particularly when consumed in bigger portions.
Q9. Is dragon fruit cool or scorching?
Ans. Dragon fruit is taken into account a ‘cooling fruit’ on account of its excessive water and antioxidant content material, which makes it a hydrating and refreshing fruit, ultimate for summers.
Click here to Book Full Body Health Checkup (Great Discounts Today)!
