35 Amazing Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit or pitaya fruit/pitahaya fruit is a delicious fruit that has a slightly sweet taste and is widely popular in the regions of Central America, South America, and Asia. Its texture is between that of kiwi and apple. It contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols and, dietary fibers, etc that provide many health and beauty benefits.

Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Following are the major health benefits of dragon fruit.

(1) Manages Cholesterol Level

Dragon fruit helps to manage cholesterol levels as it contains dietary fibers that reduce LDL cholesterol from the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that hardens and narrows our arteries and is caused by the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arteries. It is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

Vitamin C and other antioxidnatal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in dragon fruit also play a significant role in cholesterol management. 

(2) Aids In Detoxification

The detoxifying compounds like dietary fibers and vitamin C in dragon fruit reduce toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our bodies.

To some extent, it reduces the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys and allows these vital organs to focus on other functions they need to perform. Some of these functions are bile juice production, metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates, and hormone production etc.

(3) Improves Digestive Health

Dragon fruit is good for the stomach as it contains dietary fibers, natural laxatives that improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc. 

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in dragon fruit protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.

(4) Regulates Blood Sugar

The exact glycemic index of dragon fruit is not recorded but it is believed to have a glycemic index similar to that of banana ( 48 to 52). 

Because of its low glycemic index, it releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and helps manage diabetes.

The dietary fibers in the dragon fruit slow down sugar absorption by the bloodstream and help in controlling blood sugar levels. 

Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, carotenoids, thiols, tocopherols, and glucosinolates etc also plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar level.

As per a study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy Research, antioxidantal compounds in dragon fruit combat against the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness, a common issue found in diabetic patients.

Consume dragon fruit in moderation as overeating it may drop the blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability or moodiness.

If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding dragon fruit to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

(5) Regulates Blood Pressure

The vasodilating properties of potassium in dragon fruit relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.

Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions worldwide and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.

Zinc and magnesium in dragon fruit also help in regulating high blood pressure.

Eat dragon fruit  in moderation as high potassium level may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.

If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consult  your doctor before adding dragon fruit to your routine  to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

(6) Improves Cardiovascular Health

Dragon fruit improves our cardiovascular health as they contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc that protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.

Dietary fibers in dragon fruit reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.

Potassium in dragon fruit regulates high blood pressure and minimize the risk of several cardiovascular and other health problems.

Monosaturated fats in dragon fruit improves our cardiovascular health. 

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in dragon fruit also contribute to our cardiovascular health.

(7) Aids In Treating Anemia

Dragon fruit aids in preventing and treating iron-induced anemia, a blood disorder caused by iron deficiency in the body. It gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and cold hands or feet, etc.

Iron, a vital mineral in the dragon fruit enhance the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to cells and tissues and provides nourishment to them. 

This minimizes the risk of anemia.

Vitamin C in the dragon fruit enhances iron absorption in the body and is beneficial against anemia.

(8) Boost Metabolism And Promotes Weight Loss

Moderate consumption of dragon fruit helps in weight loss because of its low calorific value of 60 calories per 100 grams.

Dietary fibers in pumpkin provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a prime cause of obesity.

The proteins and enzymes in the dragon fruit improve our digestive health and boost our metabolism.

A healthy metabolism ensure that we burn calories at an efficient rate, and helps to get rid of the stored calories. 

It also improve cell regeneration and repair, and make us feel better and energetic. 

Dragon fruit contain about 90 percent water that also contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion and increase absorption of nutrients. 

(9) Reduces The Risk Of Various Cancer(s)

Dragon fruit contains several antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A  and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.

(10) Good For Eyes

Dragon fruit aids in maintaining ocular health as it contain vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the eyes that improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in dragon fruit protects our eyes from free radical damage and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.

Other nutrients like zinc, lutein,and  zeaxanthin in dragon fruit also plays a significant role in keeping eyes healthy. 

(11) Strengthens Immune System

Dragon fruit strengthens our immune system, the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds. 

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in it protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.

Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.

With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.

Because of its antimicrobial properties, dragon fruit minimizes the risk of various bacterial, viral and fungal infections. 

Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, cytoalbumin, iron, and folate, etc in dragon fruit also contribute to better immune health.

(12) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in the dragon fruit provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc.

Dietary fibers in dragon fruit also helps in reducing inflammation as it helps the gut bacteria to release substances for lowering inflammation. 

(13) Good For Pregnancy

Dragon fruit contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and polyphenols etc that helps in maintaining healthy pregnancy. 

Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in dragon fruit protect the uterus and the fetus developing in the womb from free radical damage.

Folate or folic acid in it promotes the brain development of the fetus and minimizes the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida.

It  helps in regulating blood sugar and thus minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes. 

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, and manganese, etc also play an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Consult your doctor before adding dragon fruit to your diet to avoid food-drug intolerance and ensure the safety of both pregnant women and the fetus developing in them.

(14) Prevents Renal Bone Disease

Dragon fruit maintain our kidney health and reduces the risk of renal bone disease or renal osteodystrophy, a bone disease that occurs when our kidneys fail to manage proper calcium and phosphorus level in the body. 

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in dragon fruit protect the kidneys from free radical damage, and improve their efficiency.

When our kidneys work efficiently, it can properly manage calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

Detoxifying compounds like vitamin C and dietary fibers in dragon fruit eliminates toxins, pollutants and other unwanted substances from our system.

While doing so, it reduces detoxification burden from the kidneys and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform. 

Dragon fruit contain calcium and potassium to further benefit against renal bone disease.

(15) Strengthens Our Bones And Teeth

Dragon fruit strengthens our bones and teeth as they contain bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc. 

Calcium is vital for the growth and development of the bones, and its deficiency may increase the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis.

Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.

Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.

Dragon fruit contains manganese that increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column. 

Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in dragon fruit minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which protective tissues at the ends of bones wear down. 

Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.

(16) Good For Dengue Patients

Vitamin C in dragon fruit  help platelets to group together, and also increases iron absorption. 

This improve platelets in the blood,and is thus beneficial for dengue patients. 

(17) Helps In Cell Regeneration And Repair

Protein, amino acids and enzymes in the dragon fruit improve cell regeneration and cell repair. 

At the microscopic level, we all are made up of cells and damage to cells can harm our health. 

Our body repairs the damaged cells so that it can perform optimally. 

When the cells are beyond repair, then new cells are regenerated so that our body continue operating efficiently.

Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in dragon fruit protects our cells from free radical damage.

(18) Improves Cognitive Functions

Dragon fruit is good for the brain and improves our neurological health.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the dragon fruit protects our brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage. 

This minimizes the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc. 

Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the dragon fruit also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration,  and reduced mental confusion, etc. 

(19) Reduces The Risk Of Respiratory Problems

Dragon fruit improves our respiratory health.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids etc in it protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of lung cancer.

Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-carotene in dragon fruit protect our respiratory system from pain and inflammation and minimizes the risk of asthma, bronchial asthma, and lung inflammation.

Other nutrients like potassium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese, etc in dragon fruit also improve our respiratory health.

Beauty Benefits Of Dragon Fruit For Skin

Some major beauty benefits of dragon fruit for skin are as follows.

(1) Provide Anti-Aging Benefits

Both eating as well as topical application of dragon fruit provide anti-aging benefits.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in dragon fruit protects our skin cells from the free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.

Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.

To fight skin aging, scoop out flesh of half a dragon fruit and mix one tablespoon of yogurt to make a paste. 

Apply this paste on the face and neck, rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. 

Pat dry with a soft towel.

(2) Treats Skin Pigmentation

Dragon fruit improves our skin health as it contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, etc.

These nutrients nourish our skin, improves skin health, and make it soft, supple, and radiant. 

Antioxidants and relevant compounds in dragon fruit protect our skin from free radical damage and helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin. 

It improves skin pigmentation and lightens skin tone. 

(3) Helps In Treating Skin Rashes And Eczema

The antimicrobial properties of dragon fruit protects our skin from bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and thus minimizes the risk of skin rashes and eczema.

(4) Aids In Acne Treatment

Dragon fruit helps in the prevention and treatment of skin problems like acne and pimples.

Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores. It affect millions worldwide.

The dietary fibers in dragon fruit eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.

When there are fewer toxins, they are at a lower risk of  accumulating in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.

Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.

Dragon fruit can also be used topically for treating acne.

For this, scoop out the pulp of a half dragon fruit and mash it  with a fork.

Apply the paste on the affected areas using cotton balls.

Use different cotton ball for different area to minimize risk of bacterial infection.

After 20 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.  

(5) Effective Against Harmful UV Rays Of The Sun

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays may damage the skin and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.

Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc in the dragon fruit protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimizes the risk of skin cancer. 

Dragon fruit can be used topically for UV rays protection and for treating sunburn. 

For this, scoop out pulp of a quarter dragon fruit and mix contents of a vitamin E capsule to the pulp to form a puree.

Apply it to the sunburned area, wash off with cold water after 30 minutes.

Use it on alternate days to get relief from redness and inflammation with sunburns.

(6) Keeps Our Skin Moisturized

Dragon fruit is a wonderful skin moisturizer as it contains about 90 percent water.

It moisturizes our skin, and provide nourishment to it because of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients etc in it.

These compounds nourish our skin, prevents skin dryness and make our skin healthy. 

Beauty Benefits Of Dragon Fruit For Hair

Following are the major beauty benefits of dragon fruit for hair. 

(1) Promotes Hair Growth

Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in dragon fruit nourish our hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improves scalp health. 

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, folate, and potassium in dragon fruit improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes our hair follicles and scalp, and promote the growth of new hair follicles. 

(2) Reduces Hair Loss

Dragon fruit contains several essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, etc that nourish and strengthens our hair follicles.

With stronger hair follicles, the risk of hair loss diminishes automatically.

It also contains several antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds that protect our hair follicles from free radical damage.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and folate, etc also contribute to scalp health and minimizes the risk of hair fall. 

(3) Make Hair Strong And Lustrous

Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and polyphenols nourish our hair follicles and scalp.

It promotes scalp health and enhance the growth of new hair follicles.

Antioxidants like vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds protect our hair follicles from free radical damage, and strengthen them.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron and B vitamins in dragon fruit brings out natural shine to the hair, and make them strong and lustrous.

(4) Treats Scalp Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.

It can also break out on the scalp and is then known as scalp acne.

The dietary fibers in dragon fruit eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.

When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne.

Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent scalp acne from worsening.

(5) Good For Treating Dandruff

Dragon fruit helps in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by poor scalp health.

Dragon fruit promotes scalp health.

Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the dragon fruit protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and make them healthy.

Vitamins and minerals in the dragon fruit nourish our hair follicles and scalp and minimize the risk of scalp problems like dandruff etc.

(6) Treats Colored Hair

Most of the hair colors available in the market are loaded with toxic chemicals that can damage our hair. 

Dragon fruit helps minimize this damage, and make our hair better. 

For this, scoop out pulp of dragon fruit and blend it to make a smooth paste.

Apply it on hair follicles and scalp, after 20 minutes wash off with a mild shampoo.

Follow it weekly to reverse the damage caused by hair color. 

Nutrients in dragon fruit will make hair soft, shiny and lustrous.

(7) Promotes Healthy Hair

Vital nutrients in the dragon fruit promotes scalp and hair health.

Eating dragon fruit as well as drinking dragon fruit juice minimize premature greying of hair, dryness of hair, split ends etc as the antioxidants like vitamin  C and other antioxidantal compounds in it protects our hair follicles from free radical damage.

It nourish our hair and make them strong and lustrous.

It improve scalp health and minimize risk of scalp acne and dandruff.

Dragon fruit can also be used topically to improve scalp health and to keep hair follicles healthy.

For this, apply the pulp of fresh dragon fruit on hair and scalp, and cover with a shower cap.

After 20 minutes wash off with water, and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Repeat once a week to see quick result.

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