Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit of variety of cactus species which has very unique appearance, a crunchy texture and a sweet taste. It is packed with multiple antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide countless benefits for your skin, hair and overall health. In this article, you will discover at least 17 of them.
Dragon fruit is also called strawberry pear and pitahaya in some countries, and there are different varieties. One of the most common types has bright red skin and green scales, ergo the name. The inside of this exotic fruit has white pulp and edible black seeds. Dragon fruit taste similar to other fruits and some say the taste is a cross between a kiwi and a pear.
In this post, you will learn 17 benefits of dragon fruit for health and beauty whether it is ingested or used topically.
- Aids In Weight Loss
Dragon fruit is very high in fiber, rich in nutrients and low in calories which makes it the perfect snack. Foods high in fiber can aid in weight loss because they make you feel full for longer periods of time and you tend not to snack between meals. Science has proven that eating low calories snacks and meals helps you lose weight.
- Neutralizes Free Radicals
According to the study in the African Journal of Biotechnology dragon fruit contains two valuable antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. They are betaxanthins and betacyanins and they can prevent free radicals from causing more damage.
- May lower Blood Sugar
Researchers say that dragon fruit may be able to help lower blood sugar because it replaces damaged cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps the body breakdown sugar. It is still very unclear how much dragon fruit you need to eat in order to receive these benefits.
- Enhances Digestion
Dragon fruit has a prebiotic effect on the body that can reduce the risk of intestinal infections, enhance digestion and nourish gut bacteria according to a study in the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology. It also contains a carbohydrate called oligosaccharides The researchers believe it helps stimulate the growth of helpful bacteria in the intestines and the stomach. According to a 2015 study in Thailand on natural prebiotics it showed that dragon fruit helped increase healthy flora which is important for a healthy digestive system.
- Promotes a Healthy Heart
According to the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Services the small seeds in dragon fruit contain omega-3 and omega 9 fatty acids as well as natural oils that provides significant nutritional value. Some doctors consider all of these components beneficial for a person’s heart health. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats which helps the heart stay in great condition.
- Helps Strengthen the Immune System
Dragon fruit is one of many natural foods that can strengthen your immune system due to its high content of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
- Increases Iron Levels
It is crucial that we have enough iron in our bodies to give us energy and move oxygen throughout our system. Dragon fruit can help boost your iron levels and the vitamin C in this fruit helps your body absorb and use the iron. It has been estimated that at least 30% of the world’s population is deficient in iron. It is important to consume a diet with a variety of iron rich foods.
- Helps Prevent Inflammatory Conditions
Many people throughout the world suffer from various inflammatory conditions. According to a paper in the world Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences the antioxidant activity of dragon fruit can help prevent gout and other forms of arthritis which are both inflammatory disorders. People Suffering from arthritis often refer to dragon fruit as the “anti-inflammatory fruit” because the benefits are so great.
- May Help Improve Eyesight
Dragon fruit contains a significant amount a beta carotene which may help improve eyesight.
- May Reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer
Lycopene can be found in dragon fruit and is responsible for the fruits red color but also known to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- May Be Useful Against Breast Cancer
A 2017 study published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity journal notes that dragon fruit may be useful against breast cancer because the fruit may act on selective breast cancer cells. It was observed to do this by targeting tumorigenic pathways and leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This shows a lot of potential in which dragon fruit may play an important role in cancer therapy however, more clinical trials are needed.
- May Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer
According to a study published in the International Food Research Journal, the presence of nondigestible oligosaccharides in dragon fruit could prove to be helpful against colon cancer. The oligosaccharides had a positive prebiotic effect resulting in an increase of bifidobacteria (good bacteria in intestines) and lactobacillus (good bacteria in digestive ad urinary tract) while decreasing bacteroides and clostridium.
- Soothes Sunburn
Dragon fruit can be used to create a compound very similar to aloe which can soothe burned skin. By combining cucumber, juice, honey and dragon fruit you can moisturize sunburned skin and release heat from the affected area.
- Helps Prevent Acne
Adults and teenagers suffer from a skin condition called acne. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and a great topical ointment. To help prevent acne turn a slice of dragon fruit into a paste and apply it to the affected areas on your face or skin then rinse with water. For best results use this method twice daily.
- Reduces Signs of Aging
Make yourself a natural alternative face mask using dragon fruit and honey. This fruit is rich in antioxidants that helps with anti-aging and keep the skin very tight and young in appearance.
- Protects Treated or Dyed Hair
You can protect your chemically treated or dyed hair by simply putting the juice of dragon fruit or a conditioner containing the fruit on your scalp. This will keep your hair follicles open and allow your hair to breathe as well as remain healthy and smooth. Dragon fruit is an excellent alternative treatment to protect your hair.
- Acts As a Natural Moisturizer
Dragon fruit is loaded with skin essential vitamins and antioxidants. Applying this fruit directly to your skin is one of the best Natural moisturizers you can use as it contains 80% water. Dragon fruit will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
