Hello guys, welcome back to my blog 🙂 , this time I will discuss dragon fruit (pitaya), what is dragon fruit (pitaya) ???
let’s see the explanation ⤵
Dragon fruit (Pitaya) is the fruit of several types of cacti from the genus hylocereus and selenicereus. This fruit comes from Mexico, Central America and South America but now it is also cultivated in Asian countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. This fruit can also be found in Okinawa, Israel, northern Australia and southern China. hylocereus only blooms at night.
Sweet pitayas come in three types, all with leathery, slightly leafy skin:
- Hylocereus undatus (Pitaya blanca or white-fleshed pitaya) has pink-skinned fruit with white flesh. This is the most commonly seen “dragon fruit”.
- Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja or red-fleshed pitaya, also known as Hylocereus polyrhizus) has red-skinned fruit with red flesh.
- Hylocereus megalanthus (Pitaya amarilla or yellow pitaya, also known as Selenicereus megalanthus) has yellow-skinned fruit with white flesh.
Benefits Of Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) :
1. Anti-Aging
Antioxidants are essential for keeping the skin tight and firm. They fight off free radicals that circle around the body that are known to cause problems like cancer. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants due to its vitamin C content.
Meehan reminds eaters probably the most overlooked nutrient in this fruit is its phosphorus punch. “One of the most important key regulatory events in our cells require phosphorus and the phospolipids are primary components of cellular membranes. This could help in preventing premature aging,” he said.
2. Cancer Prevention
Aside from vitamin C, dragon fruit contains carotene, which is linked to several anti-carcinogenic qualities, including reducing a number of tumors. Moreover, lycopene, responsible for the red color in dragon fruit, has been shown to be linked to lower prostate cancer risk. A 2011 studypublished in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found lycopene intake of less than 2,498 mcg/day increased the risk of prostate cancer, whereas a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and lycopene-rich foods, including being physically active, can significantly reduce the risk.
Moreover, the peel of dragon fruit contains polyphenols, which are chemicals often found in nature. “There is the possibility that some of these polyphenols work as affinities to estrogen receptors and possibly alter the attachment behavior of this and other hormones to their receptor sites on cells,” Meehan said. “This could be one reason why it may protect against certain forms of cancer.”
3. Cardiovascular Health
Dragon fruit can help boost your heart health, as it decreases bad cholesterol levels while improving the good levels. A 2010 studypublished in the journal Pharmacognosy Research found the consumption of dragon fruit may lower the risks of developing heart disease and developing high blood pressure. This exotic fruit is also a good source of monosaturated fats which help to keep our heart in good condition.
4. Diabetes
The high amount of fiber in this exotic fruit can help stabilize a person’s blood sugar levels. It also helps to inhibit the sugar spikes that occur after eating high glycemic index foods. In the same study in the journal of Pharmacognosy Research, researchers found dragon fruit had a valuable effect on the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness in diabetic rats. This suggests regular consumption of the fruit could be beneficial in preventing common issues linked to diabetes.
5. Digestion
Dragon fruit has a significant fiber content. This means it can improve the body’s bowel movements by facilitating the passage through the digestive tract. The consumption of this exotic fruit can help reduce the chances of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Immunity Booster
The high levels of vitamin C found in dragon fruit can give the body’s immune system a boost while also stimulating the activity of other antioxidants. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals, and pytoalbumin is involved in fighting free radicals and possessing antioxidant properties. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, niacin, and fiber also contribute to improving the functioning of your immune system.
Thank you for reading, and I want to give you a recipe for processed dragon fruit for you guys to try at home, want to know the recipe? wait for my next post, yeah: D
