12 REAL DRAGON FRUIT BENEFITS
Never had this fruit before? You’re in for a surprise. Crunchy and sweet, this fruit is reminiscent of both a kiwi and a pear. However, this fruit will. Likely taste a bit blander than most of the fruits you’re used to.
Need more of a reason to try this versatile fruit? Keep reading to learn all about dragon fruit benefits.
1. PREVENT CANCER
Many people don’t realize how powerful the dragon fruit is when it comes to preventing cancer.
This island fruit is chock-full of hearty antioxidants that will help prevent free radicals from forming in the body. This fruit also contains anti-carcinogenic properties and carotene,which means it is the perfect food to use to minimize the risk of developing tumors.
When hunting for the best variety of this fruit for fighting cancer, you’ll see that the red flesh kind contains the most benefits. This red flesh variety is the one with the antioxidant lycopene, which is what gives this fruit its iconic red color.
Fruits that are rich in lycopene help to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Certain studies show that individuals with lower lycopene intake have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, while individuals with diets filled with lycopene-rich foods help to reduce their risk of developing this cancer.
2. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
As is the case with most fruits and vegetables, this particular fruit helps to boost one’s immune system. Which higher levels of vitamin C, consuming this fruit on a regular basis will help you to improve your immune system.
In addition to vitamin C, this fruit contains a fair amount of phosphorous, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fiber.
3. MAINTAIN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Your heart health is one of the most important things to consider when analyzing your diet. By consuming this fruit with your regular meals, you’ll be able to take advantage of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids inside the fruit’s flesh. These polyunsaturated fatty acids help to lower one’s triglyceride levels and prevent the possibilities of future cardiovascular issues.
In addition to these fatty acids, this fruit has a high level of vitamin B3. This is a nutrient that helps to lower one’s bad cholesterol levels while maintaining good cholesterol levels. Similarly, the red dragon fruit’s antioxidants help to keep one’s heart protected from free radical damage that leads to oxidative stress.
4. CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
This fruit is a particularly powerful fruit for people with type-2 diabetes. The fiber in this fruit helps to stabilize one’s blood sugars levels when it is eaten as a way to suppress sugar spikes. Certain studies show that this fruit has a positive effect on oxidative stress from the aortic stiffness in their test subjects.
These findings suggest that eating this fruit regularly will help to prevent some of the more common issues and symptoms linked to diabetes. Individuals that have type-2 diabetes can take part in these benefits by eating the red flesh fruit.
5. IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION
This fruit can help to improve your digestion as it contains a significant amount of fiber. The fiber in this fruit will work to regulate your bowel movements and facilitate its passage through your digestive tract.
Individuals that are facing gastrointestinal issues like IBS, diarrhea, constipation and the like can benefit from eating this fruit. In addition to improving these gastrointestinal issues, this fruit can spur the growth of important probiotics in your body, helping to improve your body’s detoxification and digestive processes.
6. MAINTAIN EYE HEALTH
The red flesh variety of this fruit contains plant pigment like beta carotene that helps to keep the eye safe from any effects of free radicals. Essentially, these plant pigments prevent certain diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Additionally, this fruit’s vitamin C content helps to improve the function of one’s retinal cells, which is another way this fruit helps to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. The best way to ensure this fruit helps improve your eye health is to juice it or eat it whole every day.
7. SLOW DOWN THE AGING PROCESS
The vitamin C in this fruit is also a powerful agent for slowing down the aging process. Vitamin C works to tighten the skin, which helps keep key signs of aging at bay. Additionally, this fruit’s vitamin C content can fight off any free radicals in the skin, which helps to keep the skin looking as young as possible.
Additionally, the phosphorus content in this fruit can regulate your cellular membranes, helping to prevent other symptoms of aging like age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. By eating this fruit every day, you’ll be able to maintain tighter and younger skin.
8. STRENGTHEN YOUR BONES
Rich in phosphorus and calcium, this fruit is an excellent way to strengthen your bones. The body requires calcium for proper muscle functioning and nerve transmission.
Additionally, this fruit has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an excellent treatment for joint pain and any inflammation related to health issues and arthritis.
9. SUPPORT YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
As this fruit is also rich in B vitamins, consuming it on a daily basis will help to support your nervous system.
Eating dragon fruit will help to produce nerve cells which supports the function of your nervous system. Additionally, eating the fruit frequently will help to improve your mental clarity, ensuring that you’re more alert throughout the day.
10. PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS
Trying to lose weight more consistently?
Try adding this fruit to your diet. High in fiber and low in calories, dragon fruit benefits help to satiate your hunger and will make you feel fuller faster and for a longer period of time. Thus, reducing the amount of food you consume overall.
Similarly, this fruit’s combination of high fiber and low calories will allow you to lose weight at a faster rate. The vitamin C content will also help you to burn fat faster.
11. PREVENT ANEMIA
The lack of iron caused by anemia can cause serious health issues like a constant cough, body weakness, and more. If you are struggling to maintain an adequate level of iron in your body, start eating more of this fruit.