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Saturday 13 October 2018

13 Impressive Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit ( pitahaya pitaya ) pitaya Roja

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These fruits are commonly known in English as ''dragon fruit'', reflecting its vernacular Asian names. The names pitahaya and pitaya derive from Mexico, and pitaya Roja in Central America and northern South America, possibly relating to pitahaya for names of tall cacti species with flowering fruit. In Chinese, the fruit is referred to as huolong guo literally 'fire dragon fruit'. is a tropical fruit that belongs to the climbing cacti  ( Cactaceae ) family. Widely cultivated in Vietnam, the fruit is popular in Southeast Asia. In  Vietnam, dragon fruit is a major export and very expensive. the crop was first introduced there more than 100 years ago. It was grown for the King and later became very popular with wealthy people throughout the country. Dragon fruit grows in warm climates with plenty of rainfall. The ideal conditions are tropical or subtropical climates with an alternating rainy and dry season. During extended or frequent dry seasons, irrigation is necessary to ensure that the soil maintains sufficient moisture. The Dragon fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, and is known to aid digestion. In addition to being tasty and refreshing, this beautiful fruit boasts of a lot of water and other vital minerals with varied nutrition ingredients.

Recent findings show that if an obese person eats a Dragon fruit on a regular basis, it naturally reduces the weight considerably, creating a well-balanced body without compromising on the individual's health. Due to its vital nutrients, the Dragon fruit is suitable for all diets as it supplements fibre which is best for laxative and liver. Similarly, people who have high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity have attested to the fruit's goodness. Also, Dragon fruit contains a surprising number of phytonutrients. it is also loaded with antioxidants and is home to carotene, protein, vitamin C ( said to be near 10 per cent of the daily recommended value ), polyunsaturated ( good) fatty acids and B vitamins that may be needed for carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, this tropical fruit doesn't contain complex carbohydrates, which may allow vitamin B1 (thiamin) along with other B vitamins in the body to break down food more easily in the body.

Dragon is the fruit of a cactus which blooms at night, and quick to wilt and fall off if not pollinated promptly. Nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths are well-suited for this work. If there aren't any bats on the payroll, however, the plants will need to be pollinated by hand. Some species of dragon fruit can also self-pollinated, but this tends to result in smaller fruits. Three species of dragon share the same name but have different fruits. Dragon is the fruit of a climbing vine cactus. The colour of dragon fruit flesh varies in variety from white, to red, or deep magenta, The monochromatic flesh dotted with black seeds stands in contrast to its mighty veneer. the taste is mild, the texture similar to a kiwi fruit. The seeds also contain essential fatty acids, but you'll have to chew them if you want to actually absorb any of the nutrients. Like tomatoes, the red-fleshed varieties contain the lycopene-a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Lycopene is the focus of much recent research for its connection with anti ageing and UV skin protection. It is also commonly used to shake up mocktails and other beverages as it tends to blend well with other flavours.

1. High Source of Potassium

 Dragon fruit is loaded with essential minerals, particularly potassium and calcium which help in maintaining bone structure. Regular consumption of potassium extremely plays a key role in maintaining water content, pH or acid balance in our body. According to a study done by the Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan, if you are a diabetic, having a diet rich in potassium may help you protect your heart and kidney.

2. Skin Care

The exotic fruit is commonly used in natural remedies for beauty because of its high antioxidant content as well as vitamins. Ancient beauty practices in the southeast Asian countries believe that making a paste of dragon fruit flesh and apply it regularly on the face can help in slowing down the process of ageing, making you look younger. The paste is also used in treating acne and sunburn.

3. Suppresses Arthritis

Arthritis directly affects the joints and causes severe irritation and immobility. Adding dragonfruit to your diet can help you fight these ailments. Dragon fruit's benefits for people suffering from arthritis are so great that it's commonly referred to as the ''anti-inflammatory fruit''.

4 Potential Cancer Prevention

Dragon fruit contains phytoalbumin, and phytoalbumin, combined with the vitamin C and minerals it hosts, makes the dragon fruit highly valued for its antioxidant properties and cancer-preventing qualities. The lycopene it contains. The lycopene, also found in tomatoes, offers the rich colour. Studies show that it may contain ''chemopreventive effects for breast, liver, prostate, skin, lung cancer''.  They also help in reducing the size of tumours in the body.  Moreover, dragon fruit boosts your immune system.

5. Treating Colored Hair

Dragon fruit juice is an excellent agent for treating coloured hair. By simply putting the juice or conditioner containing dragon on your scalp, you can protect your chemically treated or coloured hair. This will keep the hair follicles open, allowing your hair to breathe and remain healthy and smooth.

6. Low Cholesterol

Dragon fruit is extremely low in terms of cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats, Regular consumption of the fruit can not only be refreshing but also help you in maintaining a healthy heart in the long run. Those of you who are on a weight loss regime, it may be a good idea to include it in your diet. Moreover, the seeds present in the fruit are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for your well-being.

7.Pregnancy

Dragon fruit is very beneficial for pregnant woman as it is rich in iron, B vitamins, and folate. Studies show that iron helps in keeping away haemoglobin deficiency and also in preventing the occurrence of anaemia. The B vitamins and folate help prevent birth defects and boost energy. Also, the mild laxative properties of dragon fruit help loosen the stool and regulate bowel movements. Moreover, the calcium content in it aids in the bone development of the fetus, thereby ensuring a healthy pregnancy. High levels of calcium and magnesium also help fight osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

8. Diabetes

The high amount of fibre in this exotic fruit can help stabilize a person's blood sugar levels. It also helps to inhibit the sugar spikes that occur after eating high glycemic index food. In the same study in the  Journal of Pharmacognosy Research, researchers found dragon fruit had a valuable effect on the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness in diabetic rats. This suggests regular consumption of the fruit could be beneficial in preventing common issues linked to diabetes.

9. Immunity Booster

The high levels of vitamin C found in dragon fruit can give the body's immune system a boost while also stimulating the activity of other antioxidants. The presence of a high level of vitamin C,  minerals, and pytoalbumin is involved in fighting free radicals and possessing antioxidant properties. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, niacin, and fibre also contribute to improving the functioning of your immune system.

10.Strong Bones and Teeth

The high calcium content in dragon fruit keeps your bones healthy, improves the bone mineral density, and prevents osteoporosis. A study done by Tufts University showed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables offers the right mix of nutrients, protein, and calcium boosts bone density. Thus eating dragon fruit can help strengthen your gums and keeping your teeth intact, preventing them from being fragile.

11. Digestion

Dragon fruit has a significant fibre content. This means it can improve the body's bowel movements by facilitating the passage through the digestive tract. The consumption of this exotic fruit can help reduce the chances of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.


12. Good Metabolic Rate

Fibre and protein make a good team in helping your body increase its metabolic rate. Consuming dragon fruits will help your body absorb nutrients at a much better capacity. According to studies, this fruit helps maintain a clean system and get rids of toxins more effectively. An increased metabolic rate will also help you reduce weight more easily and effectively.

13. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Dragon fruit is rich in magnesium and contains no unhealthy saturated fats. This leads to higher levels of HDL or good cholesterol and lower levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. The chances of developing plaque in the arteries and veins are less, thereby reducing your chances of suffering from atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.


                    













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