Dragon fruit – an exotic fruit that is always healthy
Dragon fruit, which is still relatively unknown abroad - pitahaya or pitaya, as it is actually called - belongs to the cactus family. Because the skin of the fruit consists of scale-shaped lobes that are reminiscent of dragon scales, it is colloquially known as dragon fruit or dragon fruit. Precisely because of this special appearance, egg-shaped fruits with a sweet to sour taste, such as star fruit or physalis, are often used only for decorative purposes. This is a shame, because it contains, among other things, many valuable vitamins and minerals and can be said to be very healthy. Plus, this jelly-like tropical fruit not only pairs well with other exotic fruits or seasoning recipes, but can also be served with ham instead of melon, for example.
Dragon fruit: what does it look like?
Ripe fruit on climbing cactus plants can weigh up to 500 grams and is about twice the size of a kiwi or even larger. The white flowers of dragon fruit are also interesting: they only bloom one night.
Pitahayas are divided into three varieties. One of the fleshy and scaly shells of cactus species is:
pink and the flesh inside is white (Hylocereus undatus),
pink with red flesh (Hylocereus monacanthus) or
yellow with white flesh (Selenicereus megalanthus).
The pink-skinned fruit is also called red dragon fruit.
Like papaya, dragon fruit also comes from Central America. This fruit, which is widely exported to Europe from Southeast Asia, especially from Vietnam, is not native to Europe or America.
Healthy ingredients from pink fruit
The pink appearance of the fruit is caused by its naturally high content of beta-carotene and betalain pigments. These substances can in turn be converted into vitamin A in the body and thus help, for example, regulate cell growth. Vitamin A – also known as the eye vitamin – also ensures the health of the visual organs and strengthens eyesight. Dragon fruit also contains a lot of:
B vitamins, vitamins C and E
iron
calcium
Phosphor
Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and has a cell-protecting effect. Vitamin E also has this property. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory effects and positive effects on the skin. B vitamins help, among other things, produce energy from food.
Although calcium and phosphorus have a positive influence on connective tissue and skin as well as bone and tooth health, iron is responsible for blood formation in the body.
5 healthy properties of dragon fruit
- Dragon fruit has all the same positive effects as many other fruits. But what differentiates it from the others and makes it special are the following five characteristics:
- It contains high amounts of vitamin C, which naturally strengthens the immune system.
- It is said to help regulate blood sugar levels due to swelling of the fiber.
- Dragon fruit is said to have a positive influence on cholesterol levels, thereby helping prevent heart disease.
- Contains lycopene, beta-carotene which is said to have cancer-preventing effects.
In addition, the high water content and protein-breaking enzymes contained in the pulp and the small black seeds in this fruit stimulate digestion.
So far there is only preliminary evidence that the ingredients in Pitaya can have a positive or preventive effect on diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. There has been no comprehensive research on this matter.
So far, research on the effect of lycopene on cancer risk has only been carried out on tomato consumption. This has been shown to have a positive effect on several types of cancer, such as lung and stomach cancer. However, the researchers suspected interactions between various ingredients in tomatoes and did not attribute the effect to lycopene alone.
Caution: If you have a sensitive intestine, it is recommended to consume it in moderation because this fruit can have a laxative effect. The high fiber content of fruit also contributes to this.
