The unique look and appealing color of dragon fruit make it popular among foodies. But is it also popular among health-conscious people? Is dragon fruit healthy?
According to researchers, dragon fruit is very healthy to eat. It has a good amount of nutrients and many health-benefiting properties.
Dragon fruit is a beautiful-looking fruit. Its flesh or pulp is white and sometimes red. It has small black seeds in it and is sweet. It is rich in phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Along with all these benefits, dragon fruit also carries some adverse effects. The article will reveal interesting facts about dragon fruit. But before that, let’s get familiar with this pretty pink superfood.
Table of Content
Is Dragon Fruit Healthy?- Pros and Cons!
Dragon fruit is healthy and rich in vitamins and minerals. It has so many wonderful health benefits. However, it also has a few side effects.
Here are numerous health benefits and side effects of dragon fruit.
Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is very popular among food lovers, not only for its beautiful looks but also for its numerous health benefits. Following are some advantages of eating dragon fruit.
Low Cholesterol
Dragon fruit is extremely low in terms of cholesterol. It is also low in saturated and trans fats.
Regular consumption of this fruit can not only be refreshing but also help you in maintaining a healthy heart in the long run.
For those who are on a weight loss regime, dragon fruit is a good idea to include in the diet. Moreover, the seeds of this fruit have Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your well-being.
Heart-healthy
Americans canincreasiproproblemsintaining cardiovascular health. So, Is dragon fruit heart healthy? Fortunately, it is!
It helps in decreasing bad cholesterol levels and replenishing good cholesterol. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats. These fats keep the heart-healthy.
Promotes a Healthy Gut
Your gut has more than 100 trillion good bacteria. This community of microorganisms may impact your health. Dragon fruit contains probiotics.
These probiotics can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
In particular, dragon fruit mainly promotes the growth of two families of healthy bacteria. These are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.
Regularly consuming probiotics may reduce the risk of infections in your digestive tract. It also prevents diarrhea.
Antioxidants Rich
Vibrant in color, which also means that dragon fruit has a lot of phytonutrients. These phytonutrients can provide you with many doses of antioxidants.
Antioxidants help in fighting free radicals which can damage your skin and can even cause cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants is said to keep your heart healthy and the skin youthful.
Fights Diabetes
Dragon fruit benefits for diabetics help treat type 2 diabetes. The high amount of fiber in dragon fruit can ultimately help regulate diabetes.
It can stabilize blood sugar levels by suppressing sugar spikes. However, with any dietary changes or modifications, always consult your doctor to make sure this is good food for you.
Strengthen your Immune System
Different factors determine the ability of the body to fight diseases. It also includes the quality of your diet.
The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may boost your immune system. These vitamins prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage.
The white blood cells in your immune system attack and destroy harmful bacteria. These white cells are prone to damage by free radicals.
As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C and carotenoids can neutralize free radicals and defend your white blood cells.
The High Amount of Fiber
Dietary fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates. They have an extensive list of potential health benefits. Health authorities recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men.
Like antioxidants, fiber supplements do not have the same health benefits as fiber from food. With 7 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving, dragon fruit is an excellent whole food source.
Fiber protects against heart diseases. It manages type 2 diabethelhelps help maintain healthy body weight.
Skincare
Exotic food has a role in natural remedies for beauty. This is because it has a high amount of antioxidants and vitamins.
Ancient beauty practices in South Asian countries believe that applying a paste of dragon fruit on your face can help in slowing down the process of aging.
Suppresses Arthritis
Arthritis directly affects the joint. It causes severe irritation and immobility.
Adding dragon fruit to your diet can help you fight against these ailments. This is the reason dragon fruit is an anti-inflammatory fruit.
Drawbacks of Dragon Fruit
Consume dragon fruit in moderation because it also has many adverse effects. It contains fructose which may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts.
Polluted with Pesticides
Do not eat the outer skin of a dragon. The reason is that it may have pesticides on it. Always wash it thoroughly before consuming.
Cause Allergic Reactions
Dragon fruit can cause an anaphylactic reaction. According to evidence, eating dragon fruit stimulated the production of antibodies in some individuals. So, if you’re allergic to some fruits, dragon fruit is not good for you.
Overconsumption of dragon fruit can cause reddish urine or feces but that is harmless. Dragon fruit has a lot of health benefits and only a few side effects. You can enjoy its benefits by keeping in mind the necessary precautions.
Is Dragon Fruit Good for Weight Loss?
If you are on a weight loss diet, dragon fruit is very good for you. Dragon fruit is very low in calories. So it is good to eat for fat loss.
Dragon fruit is rich in fiber. The fiber content helps you feel full for longer. So, you don’t eat anything worse and it helps in weight loss.
Moreover, this fruit has a lot of water that is good for hydration. It also boosts up your metabolism. Speeding up your metabolism will ultimately lead to weight loss.
Dragon fruit has zero complex carbohydrates. It is very easy to digest. It is a good choice if you are on a low carbohydrate diet.
Dragon fruit is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps in weight loss. It is great for maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Nutritional Facts of Dragon Fruit
A 100 gram serving of dragon fruit contains 60 calories.
Here is the nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of dragon fruit.
| Nutrients | % Daily values |
| Proteins | 1.2 grams |
| Fats | 0 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 13 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Vitamin C | 3% of the RDI |
| Magnesium | 10% of the RDI |
| Iron | 4% of the RDI |
Dragon fruit has a good quantity of nutrients. That is the reason, it is a nutrient-dense fruit.
FAQs
Why should we not eat dragon fruit?
People who are allergic to dragon fruit should not eat it. As this fruit can stimulate anaphylactic reactions. It can also cause diarrhea in some people.
How many dragon fruits can I eat every day?
According to the recommendations, you can eat 25 grams of dragon fruit every day. Eating more than this is not good for your health.
Is dragon fruit high in sugar?
Dragon fruit is not high in sugar. It is low in sugar and calories. This is the main reason, it is a good choice for a weight loss diet. It is also low in complex carbohydrates.
Is dragon fruit a superfood?
Dragon fruit has tremendous health benefits. It is good for weight loss, diabetes, heart diseases, skin, and many more. This is the reason dragon fruits come under the category of superfood.
Bottom Line
Is dragon fruit healthy? Dragon fruit is a fruit like no other. It is pretty exotic looking with its outer pink flesh and vibrant green leaves. Slice it open and you’ll find the strange flesh.
Although dragon fruit has a lot of health benefits, It still has some adverse effects. First of all, wash it thoroughly before eating. And do not eat a lot if you are allergic to some of the fruits or vegetables.
