Three types of dragon fruit: red flesh, pink-purple flesh, and white flesh.
Dragon Fruit is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals causing cell damage, thereby slowing down aging and making the skin look younger and smoother. The abundant vitamin C in dragon fruit helps brighten the skin. Its very high water content (90%) provides moisture to the skin, especially for dry skin.
The red-fleshed dragon fruit variety is particularly rich in antioxidants and enzymes that help strengthen and smooth hair, making it excellent for treating damaged hair caused by perming or dyeing.
Dragon fruit contains special proteins and enzymes that help the body regenerate and repair cells. This is very beneficial for treating burns and injuries.
Dragon fruit can help treat some stomach issues such as indigestion and constipation. Its high water and fiber content are very beneficial for people with constipation, helping improve bowel movements by facilitating digestion. The presence of fiber also increases stool volume, aiding in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Dragon fruit is a rich source of polyphenols, carotenoids, thiols, tocopherols, and glucosinolates, all of which help reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, its high fiber content helps prevent sugar spikes after high glycemic meals.
Dragon fruit seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help lower cholesterol. Thus, eating dragon fruit may help maintain a healthy heart. It also controls oxidative damage caused by free radicals and reduces arterial stiffness, lowering the risk of heart attacks. Moreover, dragon fruit is rich in monounsaturated fats necessary to keep the heart healthy.
Studies have shown that dragon fruit can inhibit the proliferation of dangerous cancer cells. The enzyme lycopene, along with vitamin C and carotene, abundant in dragon fruit, are anti-cancer agents that help prevent tumor formation. Additionally, the skin of dragon fruit contains polyphenols that may protect against certain cancers.
Dragon fruit is recommended for people with poor vision or eye strain because it contains beta-carotene and other essential plant pigments. These components protect our precious eyes from damage caused by free radicals and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. One study also suggested that dragon fruit may help prevent congenital glaucoma by inhibiting human cytochrome P450, a protein associated with the disease.
Dragon fruit boosts immunity due to its high vitamin C content. It also stimulates the activity of other antioxidants. The presence of essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin B1, phytoalbumin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron makes dragon fruit a powerful weapon against bacterial and viral attacks.
Arthritis often causes pain, swelling, sleep difficulties, and limited movement. In fact, dragon fruit helps soothe joint pain and is often called the “anti-inflammatory fruit.”
Dragon fruit is rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. It also contains plenty of vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption in the body. Therefore, eating dragon fruit is an effective way to prevent anemia, especially for pregnant women. Moreover, iron is crucial not only for the mother but also for the fetus’s development, as red blood cells play an important role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The carbohydrates in dragon fruit provide necessary energy for mothers. Another important nutrient for pregnant women is folate, which helps form red blood cells and prevent neural tube defects in babies. The high fiber content helps prevent common digestive problems during pregnancy.
Dragon fruit is rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for strong bones and teeth. These two nutrients depend heavily on each other, meaning a diet rich only in calcium cannot prevent serious bone and dental disorders. That’s why dragon fruit is a great solution—it helps increase bone density and mass and strengthens teeth.