The Dragon fruit, like the cactus pear, belongs to the family of cacti. With its unique shape and bright colors, flowers at night and then is shown with names such as Lady of the night and Moonflower. Not only is it beautiful to look at, has a great many health benefits as well. The dragonfruit is a gold mine when it comes to nutritional value.
Rich in nutrients and minerals
The dragonfruit is rich in vitamin C and other sources such as vitamin B1 and B2 and B3. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus. Other than that, it is a good source of fiber, protein and contains 80 percent water. Therefore, it would be no exaggeration to call it a super fruit! If you are calorie conscious, you'll be pleased to know that having a portion of 100 Gms is equivalent to having only 60 calories.
Regular consumption of this fruit can help keep your digestive health and reduce your weight. Since it is low in cholesterol content, there is no risk of damaging your heart. On the contrary, can prevent the onset of any heart disease as it prevents the stiffening of the arteries and reduces oxidative stress. Those who suffer from arthritis can also benefit from the Dragon fruit consumption. Has anti-inflammatory qualities so swollen joints are considerably reduced, this fruit is consumed regularly. The Dragon fruit is also a great source of antioxidants and helps flush away toxins from your body and can prevent damage to health.
How to use the Dragon fruit
When you buy Dragon fruit, avoid buying overripe ones. It is better to buy them in their dry state. Can be eaten raw just by cutting it into two halves and dig out the half with a spoon. Blocks can be added to salads or enjoy a glass of cold juice. Dragon fruit is also used as an ingredient to make tasty smoothies. Mix a cup of fruit pulp with half a banana, a cup of fresh coconut water. Add a teaspoon of ginger paste to this mix and you get a drink that tastes like heaven to say the least!
That is not where the benefits of this fruit finish. Use it as a wrap with some yogurt. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, and makes your skin glow and also works as anti aging agent. Acne sufferers can benefit greatly from this fruit pulp directly on the affected areas. Leave on the skin until it dries and wash it with lukewarm water. Apply twice a day can make acne disappear in no time!
So as you can see, the Dragon fruit is in fact full of all kinds of goodness. This should give you reason enough to include the dragonfruit in your shopping the next time you're out to buy fruit!