Also known as Hylocereus undatus, Pitahaya, Pitajaya, Pitaya roja or Strawberry pear.
Dragon fruit is the fruit of a cactus which blooms at night and originates from Mexico, Central and South America. The lycopene, responsible for the red colour in dragon fruit, is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk.
The dragon fruit has only 60 calories per fruit so is a good addition to the diet for weight loss.
Beneficial compounds in dragon fruit
- Calcium
- Carotenoids
- Fibre
- Iron
- Lycopene
- Phosphorous
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Vitamins B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin C
NOTE: Because carotenoids, such as lycopene, are fat-soluble, dragon fruit should be consumed with an oily food such as avocado, coconut oil or milk, cream, nuts, seeds, plant oils or yoghurt in order for the lycopene to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Dragon fruit has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Regular consumption can also help to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, skin disorders and thyroid dysfunction.
Dragon fruit can be combined with cucumber juice and honey to make an external soothing ointment that can help to relieve sunburn and other skin disorders. Abundant in vitamin B3, dragon fruit can moisturise sunburned skin and release heat from the affected area.
Related subjects
- A-Z of natural foods and remedies
- Arthritis
- Cancer (prostate)
- Diabetes
- Gland disorders (thyroid)
- Heart disorders
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Pain and inflammation
- Skin disorders
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