DRAGON FRUIT

Description :
 

    The dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a beautiful, sweet and savory fruit. The fruit tree is actually a cactus species from the genus Hylocereus, which includes 20 different species. Originally popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America, the dragon fruit crop is found around the world. While it may seem daunting to have a reddish-brown throat with green scales, preparing this rare fruit is easy. It can be enjoyed with fruit juices, it can be used to make beverages and drinks, and it is a wonderful food in itself. The dragon fruit grows on Hylocereus cactus, also known as the Queen of Honolulu, whose flowers open only at night.

     This plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Today it is being reported around the world. It goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear. The two most common have red skin and green scales that look like a dragon - hence its name. Variety of varieties have white pulp and black pulp, although small red and black pulp varieties are also present. Another variety - called yellow dragon fruit - has yellow skin pulp and bud. Dragon fruit may sound, but its taste is similar to Kiwi.
     The dragon fruit grows on a cacti and you can reach up to 6 meters tall. The fruit is oval to oblong, measuring about 8 to 12 ounces and an average of 10 to 15 centimeters in length. They have pink skin or green magenta, paper-like leaves and white flesh, small black seeds, similar to kiwi food. The juicy, spongy and thick pulp offers a sweet and subtle flavor with notes of tomato, pear, kiwi and anise, sometimes just a hint of acidity.

 

Nutrition :
100g fruit serving :

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1.2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbs: 13 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

Vitamin & Mineral :

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium 

 

Benefits :
 

Rich in Antioxidant :
     It is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and beta cyanide. This natural substance protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, molecules that can cause diseases such as cancer and premature aging.

Fat Free :
     Fat free and high in fiber. This is a good treat as it helps you replenish your energy reserves between meals.

Control Sugar Level :

     It can help lower blood sugar levels. According to the researchers, it can replace damaged cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body break down sugar. However, this study was conducted in mice, not humans. Not sure how much dragon fruit you need to eat to reap these benefits.

Promotes Growth Of Probiotics :
     It contains prebiotics, foods that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut called probiotics. Including more prebiotics in your system can improve the balance between good and bad bacteria in your gut. In particular, dragon fruit promotes the growth of probiotics, lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. In the intestines, these and other beneficial bacteria can kill viruses and disease-causing bacteria. It also helps to digest food.

May Strengthen The Immune System :
     Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that are beneficial for the immune system.

May Increase Iron Levels :
     Iron is essential for transporting oxygen through the body and maintaining energy, and dragon fruit contains iron. And the vitamin C in dragon fruit helps the body absorb and use iron.