Here are 12 Benefits of Dragon Fruit Along with Its Nutritional Content
Dragon fruit is a fruit that originally comes from Mexico, South America, and Central America. Over time, this fruit has started to be recognized in various countries. Indonesia is one of them. This fruit actually has a real name, which is pitaya.
This fruit was first widely known in 1870. At that time, a Frenchman brought this fruit to Vietnam. People there commonly placed this fruit between two green dragon statues.
When the fruit ripens, it will emit a red color that glows between the two green dragon statues. That is what makes this fruit known as dragon fruit.
Nutritional Content of Dragon Fruit
Like most fruits, dragon fruit also has many nutritional contents. Some of them are:
Vitamin C
The first nutritional content found in dragon fruit is vitamin C. This vitamin can protect the body from the dangers of free radicals. This is due to the antioxidant properties contained in this vitamin. This vitamin can also stimulate collagen, help iron absorption, and maintain the body's immune system.
Vitamin B2 and B3
There are two other vitamins contained in dragon fruit, besides vitamin C of course. Vitamin B2 and B3 are the two. Both of these vitamins can make the body's metabolic performance smoother and maintain the health of body tissues. They can also help maintain the health of the body's nerves.
Iron
In addition to vitamins, dragon fruit also contains nutritious minerals. Iron is one of them. This substance can help the body produce red blood cells steadily. With a stable amount of red blood cells, the body can avoid anemia or other blood deficiency diseases.
Magnesium
Dragon fruit is also rich in magnesium. Magnesium itself has many benefits. Starting from increasing stamina during exercise, relieving muscle cramps, to lowering blood pressure.
Calcium
The last nutritional content found in dragon fruit is calcium. As we know, this substance can help maintain bone health. Not only that, calcium can also maintain the health of several other body organs, such as the heart, nerves, and muscles.
Benefits of Dragon Fruit
In addition to its nutritional content, dragon fruit also has many benefits. You don't need to hesitate to consume this fruit, considering its numerous benefits. Some of these benefits are:
1. Helps the Detoxification Process in the Body
Detoxification is very important for the body. Therefore, the body can expel toxins that can cause many diseases. The effects of detoxification can be obtained through various means, including consuming dragon fruit. Dragon fruit itself has antioxidants that enable it to detoxify the human body.
2. Prevents Cancer
Dragon fruit can also prevent cancer. This is due to the presence of lycopene in its flesh. This substance is believed to protect the body from cancer cells, especially prostate cancer cells.
Lycopene is not only found in dragon fruit but also in other fruits with red flesh. Dragon fruit also contains phytoalbumin compounds that help the body expel carcinogenic substances that trigger cancer.
3. Helps Digestive Problems
For those of you who experience digestive problems, consuming dragon fruit is a good choice. This fruit is relatively high in fiber, thus capable of addressing various digestive issues, especially constipation. The fiber content in dragon fruit also makes digestion cleaner.
4. Smoothens Blood Circulation
As previously discussed, dragon fruit contains iron. This substance not only helps produce red blood cells but also smoothens blood circulation itself. Dragon fruit also contains phosphorus, which similarly aids in smooth blood circulation. Phosphorus and iron in dragon fruit are also beneficial for repairing tissues in the body.
5. Relieves Rheumatic Symptoms
In addition to aiding the detoxification process, dragon fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties enable this fruit to relieve joint diseases, including rheumatism. This is certainly good news for those of you who often suffer from rheumatism.
6. Prevents Diabetes
Dragon fruit is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to kill the bad cells that cause diabetes, especially diabetes mellitus. For those affected by diabetes, dragon fruit is very suitable for consumption because it has a low sugar content.
7. Treats Sunburned Skin
If your skin is sunburned, you can use dragon fruit to address it. Dragon fruit contains vitamin B3, which can release heat from burned skin. This vitamin can also make burned skin moist again. To obtain this benefit, you can combine dragon fruit with honey and cucumber juice.
8. Can Reduce Weight
For those of you who want to diet, dragon fruit is very suitable for consumption. This is because this fruit has low calories and is high in fiber. This makes you feel full quickly when eating this fruit without fear of gaining weight. This fruit can be used as one of the breakfast or snack options for dieters.
9. Helps Overcome Anemia in Pregnant Women
For pregnant women who often experience anemia, dragon fruit is very suitable for consumption. As previously discussed, dragon fruit contains iron that can increase red blood cell production.
When consuming dragon fruit, the production of red blood cells in anemic patients will increase. This gradually reduces or even cures their anemia.
In pregnant women, red blood cells are not only important for the health of the mother but also for the fetus itself. Stable red blood cells can help in the growth process of the baby. We will provide more details in the list below!
10. Helps Maintain the Nervous System in Babies
As mentioned in the previous list, red blood cells also affect fetal development. With red blood cells, the nervous system in babies can be maintained. Red blood cells also help babies receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. To optimize the function of red blood cells, you must consume dragon fruit regularly.
11. Reduces Signs of Premature Aging
The antioxidants in dragon fruit can also suppress signs of premature aging. This can make the skin look younger. To obtain this benefit, you can use dragon fruit as a face mask.
12. Can Improve Immunity in the Body
The last benefit of dragon fruit is its ability to enhance the body's immunity. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C. This vitamin has the ability to boost the body's immunity.
Vitamin C also has other benefits besides boosting immunity in the body. Helping with collagen production in the body, aiding in iron absorption, and making teeth healthier are some of them.
Author: Anggie Warsito
