It’s not a fairytale
The dragon fruit gets its name from its spikey cactus-like outer layer, but unlike your typical medieval dragon, it has beautiful vibrant hues of pink and green. Cut into it and you’ll find bright white flesh (sometimes red) speckled with tiny black seeds. This mild-yet-sweet fruit—think a pear crossed with a kiwi—is more than just an exotic taste.
Dragon fruit is low in calories and, better yet, is dense in vital nutrients, making it a true super fruit. It includes the antioxidants, vitamin C and lycopene, as well as B vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, iron, protein and fibre.
Health Benefits
Cardiovascular health
North Americans have long struggled to maintain cardiovascular health—in particular, healthy cholesterol levels. The tiny black seeds in dragon fruit contain healthy monounsaturated fats, helping the body to decrease bad cholesterol levels and increase the good cholesterol. Reach for a dragon fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your heart healthy.
Healthy blood sugar control
Another monumental battle for North Americans is with insulin resistance and diabetes. Dragon fruit contains a good amount of fibre, which will help to slow the absorption of sugar and maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day. This is not only good for those suffering from diabetes but also people who experience mid-day crashes and late afternoon cravings. Fibre also keeps the digestion system healthy.
Antioxidants and anti-aging
Antioxidants are abundant in dragon fruit. They help to prevent damage from free radicals that have cancer causing properties. Antioxidants also help to slow the aging process and keep the skin looking vibrant. Blend a dragon fruit and mix with a little honey for a potent and natural anti-aging face mask. Use it right away for the most benefit.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Arthritis can be a painful condition that causes severe discomfort and immobility in the joints. Simply eating dragon fruit, often called “the anti-Inflammatory fruit,” and other anti-inflammatory foods, will help to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.
Immune support
Dragon fruit has necessary nutrients and a good amount of vitamin C to support your immune system. As mentioned above, it also contains fibre to maintain a healthy digestive system, which constitutes about 70 per cent of the immune system.
It’s easy to pass by the exotic fruit section in the grocery store, full of unrecognizable and intimidating fruit. Next time you are there, pick up a dragon fruit. Look for one with even coloured skin that gives a little when pressed on, but isn’t too soft or mushy (much like picking out a mango). If it is too hard, it can ripen on your counter for a few days. Once it’s ready to eat, cut it in half, scoop out the flesh and serve chilled.
