The dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various health conditions and improve one’s general health. By eating more dragon fruit and incorporating it into your diet, you can reap the following five health benefits.
1) Reduces risk of cancer
The potent antioxidant ellagic acid—found in abundance in dragon fruit—may help suppress prostate cancer cells and stop their proliferation. And regular consumption of carotenoids may reduce your risk for developing certain cancers. Additionally, dragon fruit contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of antioxidants that act as scavengers of harmful free radicals. Free radicals can bind to healthy cells, causing damage; when they react with these antioxidants, they are rendered harmless and are then excreted from your body. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been shown to reduce your risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults in developed countries such as the United States.
2) Good source of Vitamin C
Dragon fruit is a great source of vitamin C, which helps your body heal faster from wounds and staves off colds and illnesses. For example, one cup of dragon fruit has more than 100 percent of your daily value for vitamin C. The nutrient also helps boost collagen production, preventing fine lines and wrinkles in later years. While you can take a multivitamin to help meet your daily requirement, why not just eat food that’s naturally high in vitamin C? Vitamin C is often removed when produce is processed or cooked—so opting for raw fruits and vegetables will ensure you get all those nutrients.
3) Antioxidants
Not all berries are created equal. For example, a cup of strawberries will run you about 75 calories while a cup of raspberries is closer to 250 calories. In order to avoid over-consuming and increasing your calorie intake, it’s important to know which fruits have high antioxidant values. According to researchers from The University of Texas in Austin, dragon fruit is filled with potent antioxidants that help fight off disease, keep cancer at bay and promote better overall health.
4) Helps prevent high blood pressure
The high potassium content found in dragon fruit can help reduce your risk of hypertension. In fact, according to a study conducted by Thai researchers, a 2-ounce serving (that’s about 12 dried pieces) may have as much as 22% of your daily requirement for potassium. You should aim for between 3,500 and 4,700 milligrams per day to help prevent hypertension. For example, eating a banana—another good source of potassium—with lunch or dinner is an easy way to fit more into your diet. (Related: 9 Daily Habits That Promote High Blood Pressure)
5) Prevents constipation
Its flesh is high in fiber, which makes it an excellent laxative. A cup of dragon fruit provides 12% of your daily fiber intake, while a whole serving (1/2 cup) contains 15 grams. If you’re looking for dietary ways to loosen things up, try adding some slices to your breakfast tomorrow morning. You’ll see immediate results!