What is Dragon Fruit | What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Though people primarily enjoy it for its unique look and taste, evidence suggests it may provide health benefits as well.
Section 1: What is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has been cultivated since ancient times. Though many may not realize it, dragon fruit is used in cuisine all over the world.
The fruit, also referred to as dendrodora in older publications, has long been valued in ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
The scientific name of dragon fruit is D. acuminata, and it’s commonly referred to as bali in India.
As with many fruits, dragon fruit looks like a kidney bean, and some people associate the fruit with bitter taste.
In reality, the “bitter” quality is mostly created by enzymes and does not pose a health risk.
While the official recommended serving size for dragon fruit is around 100 grams, in reality people often eat more.
The health benefits of eating dragon fruit
It’s widely believed that eating this fruit may be a source of vitamin C and minerals like potassium and manganese.
According to one study, eating the fruit could potentially reduce blood pressure. However, the researchers responsible for the study warn that any potential benefits of the fruit shouldn’t be overemphasized, because dragon fruit is usually processed at a very high temperature, which greatly reduces its nutritional content.
In fact, the hottest temperature to which dragon fruit is exposed is 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it difficult to analyze its nutritional content.
In any case, due to its minimal nutritional content, the fruit is highly susceptible to rotting in the refrigerator.
Why is it good for the body?
Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and even vitamins A and B6.
Because of its sweet taste, it’s often eaten for dessert. The vitamins and minerals in it also offer a satisfyingly sweet finish to a meal.
It can be eaten raw, cooked, or frozen.
How can dragon fruit be beneficial to the body?
Dragon fruit may help to increase blood flow, which could offer some benefits for heart health.
It can also help the body to absorb the other nutrients in the food, which can help prevent deficiencies.
Dragon fruit is a great source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy.
Dragon fruit contains a compound called ethylene, which may increase muscle and bone strength.
How can I get more of these benefits?
Dragon fruit has an attractive look. The dark green, star-shaped fruit is both a delicacy and a health food. Many cultures use dragon fruit as a garnish or base for a fruit salad.
But there is a catch: people tend to be under the assumption that this fruit is inherently sweet, even though it isn’t.
To enjoy dragon fruit fully, you need to pick the right kind and eat it before it spoils. This means only eating ripe dragon fruit, which is usually ready to eat in about two days.
Most grocery stores will have dragon fruit for sale at around this time of year. When buying dragon fruit, make sure to look for the signs that indicate how ripe it is, such as light green spots on the skin.
Conclusion
Dragon fruit is often described as the fruit of a “dragon” or “tortoise.”
Dragon fruit is not actually a fruit, but a berry, according to the International Tree Fruit Forum.
The fruit is the central part of a small seedless, dark purple fruit that looks similar to a deep purple grape.
The fruit tastes similar to a grape, and has a juicy, sweet, and slightly sweet texture, especially when it is eaten fresh.
A typical dragon fruit contains about 1-3 tablespoons of flesh, with two small seeds and a large number of large, rounded, white fleshy capsules inside.
Different varieties of dragon fruit are available in different colors, such as red, white, blue, purple, and green. Dragon fruit is very easy to peel, but can also be eaten when partially dried.