Do you know about the health benefits of dragon fruit? Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit. Its other name is ‘Kamalam‘. The popularity of dragon fruit is increasing gradually in our country. Commercial use of this fruit started in Bangladesh from the nineties. Currently, the demand for dragon fruit in Bangladesh is increasing and so is the production. Although this fruit is named dragon, it is not like a real dragon. It is a delicious fruit. It is a vitamin and mineral rich fruit.
What are the benefits of eating dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit contains calories, vitamin C, omega 3, and omega 9, and lots of magnesium. It also contains antioxidants like beta carotene and lycopene. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body and improves the skin, eyes and immune system. Here are some Dragon Fruit Health Benefits.
1. Prevents constipation
Dragon fruit contains fiber, which aids in the elimination of intestinal waste. People who are prone to constipation can benefit from this fruit. Dragon fruit can be eaten by making salsa or adding it to a fruit salad or smoothie. The taste of this fruit is mild.
2. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Dragon fruit contains more magnesium than other fruits. Just one cup of dragon fruit contains 24 grams of magnesium, or one ounce. A higher intake of magnesium helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Benefits the heart
Dragon fruit seeds are beneficial for the heart because they contain omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids in dragon fruit have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, eating this fruit reduces the risk of heart disease and joint pain. Eating dragon fruit also reduces depression.
4. Maintains bone health
Dragon fruit contains more magnesium than most fruits. It increases bone density and prevents osteoporosis. In osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that they break easily. Dragon fruit can be especially helpful in maintaining good bone health in women who have stopped menstruating permanently.
5. Keeps blood circulation normal
One of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world is iron deficiency. This problem is more common in women. We get most of our iron from foods like meat, fish, nuts and pulses. Only a few fruits contain high amounts of iron. One of these fruits is the dragon fruit. 100 grams of dragon fruit contains 1.9 mg of iron, which is more than 10 percent of the daily recommended amount. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues.
6. Prevents hair loss
Iron deficiency can also cause hair fall problems. Regular consumption of dragon fruit can reduce hair loss. In addition, this fruit can also alleviate other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as excessive fatigue, skin discoloration, difficulty concentrating, headaches and cold feelings in the hands and feet.
7. Builds immunity
In viral infections we usually turn to fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, as vitamin C strengthens the immune system. But you can also consider including dragon fruit in your diet to boost immune system performance. It also contains a lot of vitamin C. “Fruits and vegetables contain the antioxidants you need to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress,” says nutritionist Beth Warren, founder of Beth Warren Nutrition. Dragon fruit is a rich source of antioxidants.