Why You Need To Add Dragon Fruit To Your Diet And How To Eat It

Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp.

Even though this weird, yet unique fruit isn’t capable of making one spit fire after eating it, it still has acclaimed superfood powers that are great for the body.

Here are some of the reasons why you should add it your diet:

Strengthens Your Immune System
Your body’s ability to fight infection is determined by several different factors, including the quality of your diet.

The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may boost your immune system and prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage.

The white blood cells in your immune system attack and destroy harmful substances. However, they are extremely sensitive to damage by free radicals.

As potent antioxidants, vitamin C and carotenoids can neutralize free radicals and defend your white blood cells against harm.

Pitaya Dragon Fruit | Photo: Pixabay

Rich In Magnesium
Dragon fruit offers more magnesium than most fruits, with 18% of your RDI in just one cup.

On average, your body contains 24g of magnesium or roughly one ounce.

Despite this seemingly small amount, the mineral is present in every one of your cells and takes part in over 600 important chemical reactions within your body.

For example, it takes part in reactions needed for the breakdown of food into energy, muscle contraction, bone formation and even the creation of DNA.

More studies are needed, but some indicate that higher intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Relax, it is safe to eat. Here’s how:

While dragon fruit’s thick, leathery skin can be intimidating, eating this fruit is quite simple.

Always bear in mind that an unripe dragon fruit will be green. Look for one that is bright red. Some spots are normal, but too many bruise-like splotches can indicate that it’s overripe. Like avocado and kiwi, a ripe dragon fruit should be soft but not mushy.

• Using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise.
  Scoop out the fruit with a spoon, or cut it into cubes by cutting vertical and horizontal lines into the pulp without cutting into the peel.
• Push on the back of the skin to expose the cubes and remove them with a spoon or your fingers.
• To enjoy, add it to salads, smoothies and yogurt, or simply snack on it by itself.

You can find dragon fruit in the frozen section of some grocery stores, pre-peeled and cut into cubes.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.