This shocking red coloured fruit with yellow-green sharp spines grows on the Hylocereus cactus. The origin of this strikingly colourful fruit is Mexico and Central America. Nowadays it is grown all over the world.

The fruit is quite popular in China, Vietnam and Thailand. The fruit is known by many different names all around the world: pitaya, pitahaya and strawberry pear.

The outer part of the fruit i.e. the skin quite resembles the Chinese Dragon- fiery red, yellow and green. There are two varieties of the fruit that is easily available: white pulp with black seeds and red pulp with black seeds. Dragon fruit is categorised as an exotic fruit but tastes similar to kiwi and pear, being slightly sweeter.

When you pick a dragon fruit avoid the fruit with too many brown patches or if it has dry stem, as they can be overripe. The fruit with bright, even coloured skin is preferable.

Nutrition Facts of Dragon Fruit:

Dragon fruit is rich in nutrients and contains: proteins (1.1 g), fat (0.4 g), calories (52), carbs (11g), fibre (3g), Vitamin C (34% of RDI), iron (10.6% of RDI), Thiamine (2.7% of RDI) and Riboflavin (2.9% of RDI).

The fruit stands as highly nutritious one due to the high amount of fibre and vitamin C present in it. It also contains several vitamin b such as B1, B2 and B3.

How can dragon fruit be eaten:

1. Select a dragon fruit which is red and even skin toned in nature.
2. Cut through the fruit into half.
3. Scoop out the edible fruit part with the help of the spoon and disposing off the rest of the skin.
4. Other way the one can opt for the fruit is peeling off the skin  and slicing it into pieces which makes it ready to eat.

Dragon fruit can be consumed in various ways (as one may prefer to eat it) i.e. in the form of juices, salads. Some people also make jams, sherbets, smoothies, fruit pizza or purees out of the fruit.

It works amazingly for improving skin and hair as it contains anti-inflammatory, anti tumor, anti viral and anti bacterial properties which is further helpful in maintaining healthy diet.

Lets peep into some of the real and specific benefits of dragon fruit

10 Benefits of Dragon Fruit

1. Satisfies the sweet tooth:

This fruit contains low cholesterol. So its a big Yay!! for the people who have a sweet tooth yet stay away from food filled with cholesterol.  Moreover this fruit is easily digestible which is apt for people struggling with weight loss.

Hence, this is one if the greatest benefits of dragon fruit, if you’ve a sweet tooth.

2. Avoids gastrointestinal problems:

The major reason that the food gets easily digested is the presence of fiber content in high rates. This further also gives a person relief in gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Keep your heart healthy:

As the cardiac problems are increasing in the country it has become vital to keep a check on the cardiovascular heath. This fruit comes as a boon for us as it contains amazing superpower of reducing the bad cholesterol and boosting up the good one. It contains monounsaturated fats which makes the heart healthy. These benefits of dragon fruit are great for a heart patient.

4. Stimulates immunity:

As the fruit is rich in Vitamin C, it makes the body’s cells function properly and also prevents from infectious agents around us.

Also the high amount of water present in it drains out the unhealthy or unnecessary toxins from the body, further making the body free from harmful oxidants.

These factors immune the body system and also increases the stamina to work all day long.

5. Help in weight loss:

Due to the high fiber content present in the fruit and low in calories makes it one of the most suitable fruit to intake during the weight loss period. The water content makes it filling for the person and also increases the metabolism rate. Moreover the vitamin C factor helps in burning fat.

6. Keeps away from cancer:

Preventing cancer is one of the important health benefit that this fruit possesses. The major reason being  the presence of some amazing antioxidants like carotene with anti-carcinogenic qualities prevents the development of tumor in a body.

7. Minimalists Signs of Ageing:

Consumption of the fruit keeps the skin intact and young looking. The phosphorous present in the fruit prevents the premature ageing and makes the skin look younger for a longer time.

One can also apply it as a face mask mixing it with some honey to get a natural glow on the skin.

8. Reduces the problem of Arthritis :

Nowadays due intense increase in temperature around the globe, the use of air condition has increased and the problems of arthritis has increased. Arthritis directly affects the joints and the bones of the body.

Intake of this fruit on daily basis prevents you from this disease due to the anti-inflammatory properties and thus is a beneficial one.

9. Reduces/Avoids Acne problems:

The fruit (rich in Vitamin C) works as a great remedial for preventing acne or reducing if you have one. The simple therapy is to apply it lightly on the scars or the marks and you can see the results in 2-3 application.

10. Remedy for a sunburned skin:

Sunburned skin is a big factor to worry about, especially in summers. So here is the way in which you can revive you sunburn-free skin. Make a good thick paste of dragon fruit, cucumber juice, honey, some aloevera and a pinch of turmeric. Apply the paste on the affected areas thrice a week and see the results!!

11. Helps in Treating Dengue

This fruit contains carotene that has various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. They are recommended by doctors to patients suffering for dengue.

There are many other benefits of having dragon fruit. It is also found safe for the pregnant ladies or ladies who are breastfeeding.

So anyone can include this exotic nutritious fruit in their routine in any form they want and lead a healthy life.