The bright pink fruit, with its scaly exterior, appears strange, which is presumably why it has the mythical moniker ‘dragon fruit’. It belongs to the cactus family, and its common name is derived from how natives in Southeast Asia refer to it: dragon scales, dragon crystal, and so on.
Serve it as a quick snack by tossing it in your fruit bowl or drizzling it with honey. It's also often used to shake up mocktails and other cocktails because it blends well with a variety of flavors.
It is a nutritional powerhouse with a variety of health-promoting properties. It is also low in calories, cholesterol-free, and antioxidant-rich. Take advantage of its availability in the Indian market by incorporating it into your diet.
Benefits of Dragon Fruit
The following are some of the advantages of dragon fruits:
- Lowers Cholesterol:
In terms of cholesterol, saturated and trans fats, dragon fruit is exceptionally low. Regularly consuming the fruit can not only be refreshing, but it can also help you keep a healthy heart in the long run.
- Rich in Fiber:
Dragon fruit is rich in dietary fiber, making it beneficial not just to the heart but also to blood pressure and weight management.
- High in Antioxidant:
The vibrant color of dragon fruit indicates that it is high in phytonutrients, which can help you obtain your daily dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants help in the fight against free radicals, which can harm cells and potentially cause cancer.
- Keeps Heart Healthy:
Since dragon fruits are high in fiber and antioxidants, they help to maintain the heart youthful and healthy. They keep the body's blood circulation going by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Excellent for Skin:
Because of its rich antioxidant and vitamin content, the exotic fruit is often utilized in natural beauty therapies. Applying a paste of dragon fruit flesh to the face on a regular basis will assist to slow down the aging process and make you seem younger. Acne and sunburn can also be treated with the paste.
- Enhances Immunity:
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and aids in the development of immunity, the absorption of iron by the body, the production of collagen, which helps to keep our teeth healthy, and the promotion of healthy and shining skin. Vitamin C also helps to strengthen your immune system, preventing you from being ill.
Dragon Fruit Dishes
If you've never cooked with dragon fruit before, here are two quick and easy dishes to get you started. The oriental salad is a great work lunch because it's light and refreshing, and the smoothie can be used as a post-workout snack or a nutritious breakfast choice.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful salad with lettuce, dragon fruit, tomato, and oranges, as well as a vinegar-mustard dressing.
- Yoghurt Smoothie: Smoothie made with yoghurt, dragon fruit, and apricots that is incredibly creamy.
