Dragon Fruit: A Wonder Fruit

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is rich in various essential nutrients, high in fiber and have a great anti-oxidative and noninflammatory properties. The good amount of carbohydrate, vitamins and mineral makes it a wonderful fruit to be added in the diet. Dragon fruit also known as Pitaya or strawberry pear, has gained importance in the last few years. It is easily available in Indian market and is also grown in the southern states of India. Now a days is grown in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nady, Maharshtra, Gujrat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Nagaland and is also being exported to London. 

Dragon fruit is the native of southern Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador and is also popular in the areas along the coast of Guatamala. It is also cultivated in East Asia, south asia, United States, Australia, Brazil and throughout tropical and subtropical regions. Maximum  of the fruit is imported from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. 

Table Of Content

Nutritional Value

Pro's Of eating Dragon Fruits

Con Of Eating Too much Dragon Fruits

Nutritional Value

Dragon fruit is rich in the essential nutrients. It is rich in fiber, folate, vitamins like vitamin c, vitamin K, vitamin B and it is also a rich source of minerals like magnesium, Potassium, calcium, iron. These are the rich source of carotenoids and many antioxidants. Dragon fruit contain a lot of water. The high amount of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium , carotenoids, antioxidants make them a good choice. 

Dragon fruit is good for diabetes patients, cancer patients, people suffering from hypertension, people suffering from hypoglycemia ,people suffering from chronic disease and people suffering from dipression, stress or anxiety.

Pro's of eating Dragon Fruits

1.Anti-oxidative Property

  Dragon Fruit is rich in antioxidants that can help in neutralizing free radicals in the body. When consumed regularly it help lower the stress and also help in reducing the chronic diseases. It also help in suppressing the cancer cells and the risk of Heart Disease.

2. Improve Immunity

Dragon fruit is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that help in building the immune system. the antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, vitamin K and carotinoids help to neutralize free radicals. this further improve the functioning of white blood cells and Hence contribute in improving the immune system of the body. 

3. Help in digestion

The High amount of fiber contribute in the eliminating waste from the body. It improve the gut health by enhancing the bowl moment and help in relieving constipation. The phosphorus present also help in the elimination of the waste from the body.

4. Improving Hemoglobin  level

The good amount of iron and folate present in the Dragon fruit help in the production of hemoglobin, which is the main component of the Red Blood Cells. Hence, help in improving the blood count in the body. 

5. Improve Heart Health

The good amount of Magnesium and phosphorus help in the elimination of the waste from the blood which improve the blood pressure and also improve the cardiovascular functioning. It also help in maintaining cholesterol levels in the blood.

6. Skin care

The fruit is also good for skin and hair health as the vitamins and minerals present in the fruit contribute to the glowing skin and hair health. The carotenoids present also help in the hair health and also in clearing the skin. 

Con's of eating too much Dragon Fruits

1. Allergic Reactions: The fruit can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Upset Stomach: Too much of eating the fruit may cause diarrhea, vomiting etc. The high amount of fiber can also affect the absorption of the nutrients. 
3. The antioxidants are food for neutralizing free radicals but it can improve the burden on the  liver and kidney
4. The dragon fruit also help in reducing blood sugar, eating too much of dragon fruit can interfere in the functioning of the diabetes medicines.

 

Ways in which we can include Pitaya 

1.Juices: Dragon Fruit juice is a healthy alternative. It provides a great amount of Nutrition. We can mix it with apple juice. We can also combine it with honey, as it will give a slight sweet taste which makes it better. 

2. Shakes: Dragon Fruit shakes make a healthy alternative. Mixing the pulp with milk, sugar, ice makes a nutritious drink. The bitter taste of Pitaya makes it difficult to consume but shakes are the tasty and healthy alternative. We can add dry fruits, cherries, small Pitaya pieces , ice creams or cheea seeds. But must be avoided by those who are overweight or obese as it can contribute to weight gain. Drinking occasionally do not have much harm. It is good for teenagers and adolescents as this provide a good amount of iron, calcium, Magnesium and other essential nutrients.

3. Jams and jellies: Jams and jellies can be made at home from the juice or pulp of the dragon Fruit by adding sugar, honey and gelatin and can be stored for sometime. 

4. Salad: Dragon Fruit is a healthy and tasty option to include in salads. We can combine it with sprout, lettuce, corns, peanut, carrots, cucumber etc, by adding honey, black pepper, salt and olive oil it can be served as a healthy snack and as dinner for those looking for weight lose. Some cheese sauce (preferably home made) can be added or salad dressings can also make it a tasty alternative.

5. Fruit chat: Can be combined with different fruits like guava, apple, banana etc makes a nice ce chat by adding honey or sugar , chat masala etc 

6. Squashe and mogeto: squashes can also be made from the juice or pulp by adding lemon, sugar, honey and heating it. The concentrate can further be diluted and served as a drink. We can also mix it with soda or sprite with some mint leaves to form a mogeto.

7. Face pack: Dragon Fruit have anti oxidative and anti inflammatory property which also slow down aging and can contribute to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as it is rich in vitamin c which is good for skin. Hence  it can be included in home made face pack.

8. Ice cream: Home made ice cream can also be made by adding sugar / honey/ jaggery along with milk / milkmaid which makes a healthy and tasty alternative for kids.