Dragon Fruit Health Benefits and Side Effects
Pitaya also knew as dragon fruit is a cactus species which is indigenous to America. Hence we can say dragon fruit origin is in America. Dragon fruit red is widely consumed. Dragon fruit plant germinates after shallow planting. Dragon tree grows well in dry tropical climates. It is a climber plant and hence the concern of over watering it remains. When the dragon fruit tree becomes 10 pounds in weight, it starts flowering. Overwatering of these plants may lead to rotting of the fruits or may lead to the falling of the flowers. It is, therefore, important to completely avoid places where there are high chances of rainwater falling on it. These fruits do not look that great, so you may ask what is dragon fruit good for? As the name suggests it is like the shape of the fire that comes from a dragon’s mouth, however, these fruits can have certain magical benefits. This article will deal with this fruit and make you aware of the various dragon fruit benefits.
How to cut Dragon Fruit?
Before we proceed to the benefits, as it looks complicated, let us know the process of cutting it. As we know, certain fruits can’t be consumed without peeling it or cutting it into pieces. Dragon fruit too is such a fruit. Before you cut it, wash it thoroughly with salt water. Then cut its edges. Cut the dragon fruit vertically into two halves. Then just peel the dragon fruit using your hand. You can do this by pushing the flesh out of the peel. This flesh that you get can be consumed directly. You can cut it into small pieces and make it more presentable. You may also ask how to eat dragon fruit? Now that you know how to cut it and peel it, you now know that you have to eat the flesh that you get after peeling it off.
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Dragon Fruit Nutrition Facts
- Dragon fruit contains phytonutrients
- They are rich in anti-oxidants
- They are also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B
- It is a good source of carotene
- Dragon fruit is also high in protein content.
- It is also rich in calcium
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar level rises extremely higher than the normal. Diabetes can be called a gateway to diseases. That is because diabetes usually reduces the immunity system of the body, and also allows other chronic diseases to affect the body. It is very important to protect oneself from diabetes because it is most of the times even hereditary. If you are prone to get diabetes, you must consume dragon fruits. Dragon fruits benefits have a high amount of fiber hence stabilizes high blood sugar level and suppresses sugar spikes. However, it is better to consult the doctor before consuming too much of these fruits.
Dragon Fruit Benefits on Hair
Hair is something that is used by us for various experiments. In this experimentation process, we often tend to expose our hair to chemicals and heat that can harm the hair. Dragon Fruit juice is an excellent agent for treating colored hair. By applying the juice on the hair or using a conditioner that contains dragon fruit juice can protect your chemically treated or colored hair. This is considered as one of the benefits of dragon fruit juice.
Dragon Fruit Benefits for Skin
Skin being healthy is not just enough, maintaining the healthy skin is equally important. Skin is an element that makes your age visible. People who seem just the same even after 20 years are the ones who are best at maintaining their skin. Dragon fruit benefits is rich in antioxidants. Hence it helps to keep the skin tight and young. This is hence a very good fruit that can work as an anti-aging medicine.
As it keeps the skin tight, it does not allow any wrinkles on the skin. This fruit is rich in Vitamin C when consumed can give benefits in getting rid of pimples and acne. You can also make a mask using dragon fruit and honey. Apply this mask on your skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. This fruit, when applied with cucumber juice, can help to remove sunburns from the skin.
Dragon Fruit for Cholesterol and Healthy Heart
There are two types of cholesterol in the body, one is the high-density lipoprotein, and the other is the low-density Lipoprotein. Both these cholesterols are also known as good and bad cholesterol respectively. As the name suggests, bad cholesterol harmful for health and good cholesterol is good. Dragon fruit benefits has an extremely low amount of bad cholesterol. Having less cholesterol does not allow the heart’s arteries to get blocked and in turn protects the heart. Dragon fruit being rich in monounsaturated fat it helps to keep the heart in good condition and protects the body from cardiovascular diseases.
Dragon Fruit for Digestion
Digestion is a process that plays a very crucial role not only in the body but also in our social lives. Whether we can join our friends with food that is considered a little rich or we can comfortably do our work at the office all may depend on what your digestive system supports. Dragon fruit is rich in fiber and fiber is beneficial for digestion. Anything that is rich in fiber does one more job, and that is to make one feel full for a long time and aid the digestion process. It helps you to avoid constipation.
Constipation is a condition in which the stool becomes extremely hard. Since dragon fruit is rich high in water content, it helps to keep you hydrated and as a result, prevents constipation. Apart from that it also helps to increase the metabolic system and improve the digestive system.
Dragon Fruit Taste
Dragon fruit usually tastes sweet. Its texture is like kiwi fruit. Sometimes it can also taste slightly like watermelon. However, the only difference is that it doesn’t have so much of water as in watermelon. Now that you know the benefits and the tastes, you must be tempted to consume it. But before starting to include this in your regular diet, it is also important to keep yourself aware of the side effects of dragon fruit. Let us know what happens when you eat too much of dragon fruits.
Dragon Fruit Side Effects
Eating too much dragon fruit is unhealthy. This is because it contains fructose which may be harmful to the health in excessive amounts. Over-consumption of dragon fruits may cause slight reddish urine and feces which is harmless. Dragon fruit skin is poisonous. The skin can also be polluted by pesticides. This is one of the reasons why this fruit is first supposed to be washed with salt water, and then the edges must be the first cut and removed. Dragon fruit when consumed in a high amount may cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent passing of watery stools. It often makes one completely exhausted and drains out all the energy.
It is not that you restrict yourself from the fruits just because it has these side effects. Instead, it’s about taking precautions before you unknowingly end up causing trouble to yourself. Consume this fruit but only in a limited quantity to be healthy and receive its benefits.