Beloved,
I wish above all things that thou mayest ...be in health,
3 John 1:2
"Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
People enjoy it for its unique look and taste, and there’s evidence it may provide health benefits.
Dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus cactus, also known as the Honolulu Queen, whose flowers only open at night.
It goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya and strawberry pear.
The two most common types have bright, red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon — hence the name.
Dragon fruit contains small amounts of several nutrients and is a good source of vitamin C and iron.
Given the high amount of fiber and vitamin C, as well as the extremely low calorie content, it can be considered to be a highly nutrient-dense fruit.
Dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants.
These are compounds that protect cells from unstable molecules called free radicals, which are linked to chronic disease risk and aging.
These are some of the main antioxidants contained in the pulp:
- Betalains: These deep red pigments have been shown to protect LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized or damaged.
- Hydroxycinnamates: This group of compounds has demonstrated anti-cancer activity in test-tube and animal studies.
- Flavonoids: This large, diverse group of antioxidants is linked to better brain health and a reduced risk of heart disease.
While dragon fruit’s antioxidant capacity was not as high as many other fruits’, it was found to be best at protecting certain fatty acids from free radical damage.
Bottom Line: Dragon fruit contains several antioxidants that protect cells from damage. These include betalains, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids." AuthorityNutrition
