Dragon Fruit and its Innumerable Health Benefits
Known for its vibrant red skin, dragon fruit is characterized by its sweet, seed-speckled pulp. It is particularly popular in the UK, known as pitahaya or strawberry pear. Unlike the other fruits that belong to the same family as dragon fruit, known as pitaya, the fruit isn’t sour at all. This fruit has been divided into further subcategories of the white-fleshed pitaya, red-fleshed pitaya and yellow pitaya. Among the three pitayas, the most commonly consumed is the white and the red fleshed pitaya which are both very popular in the UK.
The fruit has a striking appearance with its distinct shape resembling bulbs. Once you cut open this plump fruit you’ll find a white pulp that’s quite fleshy. The pulp is dotted with its black seeds which are, contrary to popular belief, safe to eat. But why is the dragon fruit so popular in the UK? What are the health benefits of this fruit? That’s what we’re going to discuss today! Let’s take a look at the health benefits of dragon fruit uk.
The Benefits of Adding Dragon fruit to your Diet
Among the foodies of the UK, and those conscious about health, the dragon fruit is a popular snack. Here’s why:
- Highly Nutritious
Even though the fruit is low in calories, it still nourishes your body with most of the vital vitamins and minerals. The bulb shaped fruit is also a rich source of dietary fiber.
Here’s a list of its nutrients in a 1 cup serving (227 grams):
- 136 calories
- 3 grams of protein
- No fat (0 grams)
- 29 grams of carbs
- 7 grams of fiber
The fruit also nourishes its consumer with magnesium, Vitamins C and E. in addition to this, it’s also a rich source of plant compounds. This includes polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins.
- It’s a great remedy for chronic disease
Inflammation and cell damage are a result of the unstable molecules, more commonly known as free radicals. A remedy for both these ailments is any antioxidant-rich fruit, such as dragon fruit. s
Free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants. This means dragon fruit is a great food for fighting inflammation and cell damage.
Chronic diseases which include heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis can be prevented by consuming foods high in antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of types of potent antioxidants, including:
- Vitamin C
- Betalains
- Carotenoids
Contrary to popular belief, it’s better to consume antioxidants in natural form rather than pills. According to studies, supplements for antioxidants can cause harmful effects.
- Packed with fiber
Dragon fruit contains 7 grams in every one cup serving. This makes it an excellent whole food source. Fiber is known to aid digestion, and recent research has shown it to prevent heart disease. In addition to this, it’s also a great food for the management of type 2 diabetes, and it helps maintain a moderate body weight.
Conclusion:
Packed with so many vitamins and nutrients, dragon fruit is great for fighting illnesses, and maintaining a healthy diet. This is why it’s so popular in the UK.
