Dragon fruit is a nutritious fruit that is very good for the body. However, if consumed incorrectly, it fails to provide benefits and can negatively affect the consumer’s health.
The Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Antioxidant
Dragon fruit is abundant in antioxidants such as betacyanin and betaxanthins, which help the body combat the cell-damaging activities of free radicals. Eating dragon fruit daily can help prevent cancer. Some studies also indicate that dragonfruit is a vital source of lycopene, which may reduce the risk of prostate and ovarian cancers.
Support arthritis treatment
Dragon fruit is also referred to as the “anti-inflammatory fruit.” Incorporating this fruit into your daily diet can help improve health conditions.
Improve heart function
In an animal study, dragon fruit has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
The omega fatty acids in the black seeds have the potential to reduce triglycerides and improve cardiovascular health.
Boost the immune system.
Various factors, including your diet, determine your body’s ability to fight infection.
The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit can enhance the immune system and prevent infections by protecting your white blood cells from damage.
White blood cells in the immune system will destroy bacteria and substances harmful to the body. However, they are susceptible to the attack of free radicals.
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C and the carotenoids in dragon fruit can neutralize free radicals and keep your white blood cells healthy.
Reducing Anemia During Pregnancy
Dragon fruit is one of the few fresh fruits that contain iron.
Iron plays a significant role in transporting oxygen throughout your body. Unfortunately, many people do not get enough iron. It is estimated that 30% of the world’s population is iron deficient, making it the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.
Rich sources of iron include meat, fish, beans, nuts, and grains. Dragon fruit can be another great option, as one serving contains 8% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron. It also has vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron more effectively.
Enhance blood sugar control.
A meta-analysis published in the journal PLOS ONE examined the impact of dragon fruit consumption on blood sugar control in people with diabetes. According to the article, dragon fruit has the potential to stimulate the growth of insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
The authors concluded that the effect of dragon fruit on fasting blood glucose in people with prediabetes is quite significant. They are also conducting further research on blood sugar control with the consumption of dragon fruit. Nonetheless, the benefits of using dragon fruit for diabetes patients have been recognized.
People who should not eat dragon fruit
Women during the menstrual period
As mentioned above, dragon fruit is naturally cooling and cold. Eating it during menstruation can prolong the period and cause menstrual cramps. During menstruation, women should only eat warm, cooked foods.
Diabetic patient
People with diabetes who overeat dragon fruit can seriously harm their health. The reason is that dragon fruit contains a lot of glucose, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise when consumed.
Person with diarrhea
Dragon fruit is not suitable for people with a weak stomach or those suffering from diarrhea. Dragon fruit is rich in fiber (which is well-known for its effectiveness in treating constipation), so consuming it can worsen the condition of diarrhea.
Pregnant women
Dragon fruit is naturally rich in plant protein, so pregnant women with allergies must be prudent before eating.
How to select and store dragon fruit
When selecting dragon fruit, choose the ones that are still fresh. The redder the surface, the better, and the green parts should be as bright and fresh as possible. However, if the green areas have become dry and wilted, it indicates that the dragon fruit is no longer new, and it’s best not to consume much of it.
It is advisable to thoroughly wash the outer skin of the dragon fruit before eating, even though we eat the flesh inside the skin. But it’s best to clean it thoroughly to avoid bacteria that can cause contamination when cutting the dragon fruit.
Ideally, we should eat dragon fruit immediately after purchasing. If you need to store it, keep it in a cool, well-ventilated place. Do not keep dragon fruit in the refrigerator; the cold temperature can cause damage and spoilage.
Dragon fruit is a nutrient-rich fruit that supports arthritis treatment, improves heart health, boosts immunity, and aids in blood sugar control. However, it is not suitable for everyone, such as women on their menstrual cycle, those with diarrhea, or diabetics who overconsumed. When purchasing, select fresh fruits, wash them thoroughly, and store them in a cool place. Visit Farm to Palms supermarket for your supply of fresh dragon fruit and other fresh fruits to maintain your and your family’s health.