Dragon is also known as pitaya. This fun-looking fruit contains about 60 calories and are rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, C and minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus.
Added to that, it is one of the best “super fruits” due to its amazing health benefits.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit:
1. Fights Diabetes
Dragon fruit helps regulate diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels through the suppression of sugar spikes. But make sure to always consult your doctor if you are making any dietary modifications and changes.
2. Good for Asthma and Cough
Dragon fruit has high quantities of vitamin C, which makes your immune system stronger so that you can fight infections efficiently.
Respiratory disorders which include asthma and coughing caused by common cold or even flu can be difficult to deal with. Although dragon fruit is not a substitute for medication, it can help make cough and respiratory disorders less tedious.
3. Helps with Stomach Problems
Dragon fruit is great for constipation and indigestion. It is rich in fiber and has a high water content. This helps improve digestion and gets things moving.
4. Helps in Weight Management
Dragon fruit contains low calories but high fiber, which makes you feel full longer. It also helps prevent excess eating.
5. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Dragon fruits promotes cardiovascular health because it helps reduce cholesterol levels. It also controls damage that are caused by free radicals and reduce risk of heart attack.
6. Lowers Cholesterol
Dragon fruit has no cholesterol and almost no unhealthy, cholesterol-producing fats. Its seeds contain omega-3, omega-6 fatty acidsand polyunsaturated fats that lower bad cholesterol.
7. Lowers Blood Sugar
Dragon fruit is rich in carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, thiols and glucosinolates. All of these help lower blood sugar.
8. Treatment of Colored Hair
Dragon fruit can be use for your colored hair. If you chemically color your hair, it is probably quite dry and damaged.
You can use dragon fruit by scooping out the dragon fruit into a blender and blend into a paste. Apply the paste into your scalp and hair and leave on for about 15-20 minutes. Then rinse using a mild shampoo.
9. Fights Signs of Aging
Dragon fruit contains antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and slows down the aging process.
How to Use:
Apply the same paste you used on your hair to the areas on your face. Then leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water.
10. Soothes Sunburn
Dragon fruit when combined with Vitamin E will help protect the skin against UV rays and soothe your skin as well. This is because of the vitamin C present in this fruit.
Just make the same puree mentioned above, but add a punctured vitamin E capsule. Then add the mixture to sunburned areas and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse it off using cold water.
Below is a smoothie recipe you can try, which is great for digestion and fills you right up.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 banana chopped
1 cup dragon fruit pulp
1 cup coconut water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ginger paste
Method:
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until it has a smooth consistency.
2. Serve in a glass with ice.