WHAT IS PITAYA?

Pitaya, also known as Dragon Fruit, is a superfruit indigenous to Central and South America that is now grown all over the world. It contains nutrients, prebiotic fibers, and other healthy substances.

Its unique look and acclaimed superfood powers have made it popular among foodies and the health conscious.

 

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Pitaya, or Dragon Fruit, has a faint, sweet taste much like an earthy watermelon. All of its seeds give it the consistency of a kiwi.

1. High in nutrients

Dragon fruit is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber.

Here’s a random summary of the main nutrients in our one serving per bowl (100 grams (g)).

Calories: 103

Protein: 0.6 g

Fat: 0.2 g

Carbohydrates: 27.4 g

Fiber: 5.6 g

Iron: 0.324 milligrams (mg)

Magnesium: 12.6 mg

Vitamin C: 7.7 mg

Vitamin E: 0.2 mg

Beyond essential nutrients, dragon fruit supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and betacyanin.

2. May help fight chronic disease

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage, which may lead to inflammation and disease. One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant-rich foods like dragon fruit.

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation.

Studies suggest that diets high in antioxidants may help Trusted Source prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

Dragon fruit contains several types of potent antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids.

3. Loaded with fiber

Dietary fibers are nondigestible carbohydrates that boast an extensive list of potential health benefits.

Although fiber is probably best known for its role in digestion, research has suggested it may also protect against diseases and health conditions such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes and help maintain healthy body weight.

Although more research is needed, some studies also suggest that diets high in fiber may protect against colon cancer.

Go to our blog on our top menu, & learn more: “FIBERS How much I can ingest per day?”

4. Promotes a healthy gut

Your gut is home to some 100 trillion diverse microorganisms

Many researchers believe this community of microorganisms may impact your health. Both human and animal studies have associated Trusted Source imbalances in your gut with conditions like heart disease.

Since dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it may help improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

Prebiotics are a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Like all fibers, your gut cannot break them down. However, the bacteria in your gut can digest them. They use fiber as fuel for growth, and you reap the benefits.

Regular consumption of prebiotics may help reduce the risk of digestive tract infections and diarrhea. Prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria, which researchers believe may outcompete the bad.

5. Strengthens your immune system

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

Vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may help boost your immune system and prevent infection Trusted Source 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.

Vitamin C and carotenoids are potent antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and defend white blood cells against harm.

6. May boost low iron levels

Dragon fruit is one of the few fresh fruits that contain iron.

Iron is crucial Trusted Source for transporting oxygen throughout the body and for breaking down food into energy.

But many people do not get enough iron. In fact, it has been estimated that around 17% of the world’s population is deficient in iron.

To combat low iron levels, it’s important to consume a variety of iron-rich foods. Rich sources of iron include meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and cereals. Dragon fruit may be another great option.

7. Good source of magnesium

Dragon fruit offers more magnesium than most fruits. On average, your body contains 25 Trusted Source of magnesium or roughly one ounce.

Despite this seemingly small amount, minerals play a crucial role in over 300Trusted Source enzyme systems in our bodies. It helps with important functions like making proteins, keeping our muscles and nerves working properly, controlling blood sugar levels, and regulating blood pressure.

For example, it participates 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 help reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes and stroke Trusted Source.