Although the price of dragon fruit (Pitaya) is high, its health benefits are surprising. This foreign fruit has been cultivated in our country for several years. One dragon fruit contains 60 calories and lots of magnesium, vitamin C, omega 3 and omega 9. As a result, there are antioxidants like beta carotene and lycopene.
Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body and improves the skin, eyes and immune system. Here are some health benefits of dragon fruit.
Prevents Constipation: One dragon fruit contains about 7 grams of fiber, which is about a quarter of the daily recommended amount. It helps in the elimination of intestinal waste. People who are prone to constipation can benefit from this fruit. Dragon fruit (Pitaya) can be eaten by making salsa or adding it to fruit salad or smoothies. The taste of this fruit is mild.
Benefits the heart: Dragon fruit seeds contain Omega 3 and Omega 9 fatty acids which are beneficial for the heart. Kerry Guns, New York nutritionist and author of The Small Change Diet, says, 'The omega-3 fatty acids in dragon fruit have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, eating this fruit reduces the risk of heart disease and joint pain. Eating dragon fruit can also reduce depression.'
Maintains Bone Health: Dragon fruit contains more magnesium than most fruits. It increases bone density and prevents osteoporosis. In osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that they break easily. One bowl of dragon fruit provides about 18 percent of the daily recommended amount of magnesium. According to research published in the Journal of International Medical Research, dragon fruit can be particularly helpful in maintaining good bone health in women who have stopped menstruating permanently.
Maintains blood circulation: One of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world is iron deficiency. This problem is more common in women. We get most of our iron from foods like meat, fish, nuts and pulses. Only a few fruits contain high amounts of iron. One of these fruits is the dragon fruit. 100 grams of dragon fruit contains 1.9 mg of iron, which is more than 10 percent of the daily recommended amount. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues.
Prevents hair fall: Iron deficiency can also cause hair fall problems. Eating dragon fruit regularly can reduce hair fall. In addition, according to Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City, this fruit can also alleviate other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as excessive fatigue, skin discoloration, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and cold hands and feet. .
Strengthens the immune system: In viral infections, we usually turn to fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, because vitamin C strengthens the immune system. But you can also consider including dragon fruit in your diet to boost immune system performance. It also contains a lot of vitamin C. "Fruits and vegetables contain the antioxidants needed to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress," says nutritionist Beth Warren, founder of Beth Warren Nutrition. Dragon fruit is an abundant source of antioxidants.