Benefits of dragon fruits you need to know.

The bright pink fruit with its scaly outer looks exotic no doubt, and probably this is the reason why it dons a mystical name – dragon fruit. Belonging to the cactus family, it gets its generic name drawing from what the locals refer to it throughout Southeast Asia – dragon scales, dragon crystal, dragon pearl fruit or green dragon. The scaly outer encloses a white or red fleshy inner specked with black seeds, which is sweet in flavour and extremely refreshing. It is said that the best way to enjoy dragon fruit is to eat it as is and fresh. All you need to do is peal the scaly outer and then slice the inner flesh as per your liking or you can even scoop it out using a spoon. Add it to your fruit bowl or drizzle with a little honey and enjoy as a quick snack. It is also commonly used to shake up mocktails and other beverages as it tends to blend well with other flavours. Known as pitaya in Hindi, it is a powerhouse of nutrition, equipped with many health benefiting properties. Moreover, it is low in calories, zero cholesterol and full of antioxidants. Since it is available frequently in the Indian market, make the most by including it in your diet.
 

1. Low Cholesterol
Dragon fruit is extremely low is terms of cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats. Regular consumption of the fruit can not only be refreshing but also help you in maintaining a healthy heart in the long run. Those of you who are on a weight loss regime, it may be a good idea to include it in your diet. Moreover, the seeds present in the fruit are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for your well-being.

2. High in Fiber

According to a study done by the researchers at the University of Leeds, increasing consumption of fibre-rich foods can lower risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, therefore it is not only great for the heart, but also helps in maintaining blood pressure and weight.
 

Dragon fruit benefits: Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber

3. Antioxidant Rich

Vibrant in colour, which also means that dragon fruit is filled with phytonutrients that can provide you your much required dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants help in fighting free radicals which could damage your cells and even lead to cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants is said to keep your heart healthy and the skin young.

4. Heart Healthy

Because dragon fruits are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, they both contribute to keeping the heart healthy and young. They fight against plaque clogging up in the arteries, maintaining the blood circulation in the body.

5. Skin Care

The exotic fruit is commonly used in natural remedies for beauty because of its high antioxidant content as well as vitamins. Ancient beauty practices in the southeast Asian countries believe that making a paste of dragon fruit flesh and applying it regularly on the face can help in slowing down the process of ageing, making you look younger. The paste is also used in treating acne and sunburn.  

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6. High Source of Potassium

Dragon fruit is loaded with essential minerals, particularly potassium and calcium which help in maintaining bone structure. Regular consumption of potassium is extremely vital for cellular, electrical, nervous functions of our body. In simpler words, potassium plays a key role in maintaining water content, pH or acid balance in our body. According to a study done by Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan, if you are a diabetic, having a diet rich in potassium may help you protect your heart and kidney.

7. Vitamin C

Since dragon fruit is a good source of vitamin C, it helps in strengthening immunity, aiding the absorption of iron by the body, producing collagen which makes our teeth healthier, and promoting a healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin C also helps boost your immunity, thereby keeping you from getting sick. 
 

Dragon fruit benefits: Vitamin C helps keep your skin healthy