Dragonfruit has anti-inflammatory properties.
Dragonfruit has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its bright pink and red colors are attributed to the presence of anthocyanin, a flavonoid that is also found in blueberries and cranberries. Researchers believe that anthocyanin could help fight inflammation, as it reduces the activity of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages—a type of white blood cell that aids in the immune system's response to pathogens. In fact, one study showed that when rats suffering from arthritis were fed food cooked with dragonfruit juice, they had less inflammation than those rats who did not have any dragonfruit-infused food. While this research is promising, more science must be done on humans before scientists can be certain about anthocyanin's health benefits. Also worth noting: although this study focused on dragonfruit juice rather than eating its raw flesh, researchers still believe these findings are promising for humans hoping to achieve similar results by eating raw dragonfruits themselves, along with other foods containing anthocyanin.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, dragonfruit contains copper and magnesium—both of which can help prevent inflammation as well as lower blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax (which helps prevent heart attacks). Therefore it's easy to see how dragonfruits could provide a range of health benefits beyond just reducing inflammation.
Dragonfruit is full of antioxidants.
Dragonfruit is full of antioxidants.
The dragon fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, which is known to help boost the immune system and prevent free radical damage in the body. In addition to vitamin C, dragonfruit contains other antioxidants and polyphenols that work together to fight free radicals in the body. Let's take a closer look at these components:
What makes dragonfruit good for you?
Vitamin C: Dragon fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C—one cup is 20% of your daily recommendation! Vitamin C boosts our immune system by preventing free radical damage. Free radicals can cause cell death and lead to many diseases if we don't have enough antioxidants in our bodies to protect us from them. The other environmental factors that make us vulnerable to disease also create more stress on our immune systems, so it's important for everyone—not just those with compromised immunity—to get plenty of vitamins like vitamin B6 (found naturally occurring in fruits).
Dragonfruit can help you sleep better by lowering blood sugar levels.
Dragonfruit contains a lot of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for sleep. Vitamin C helps your body produce melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep.
Dragonfruit also contains magnesium. This can help you feel relaxed and reduce muscle cramps, both of which are good for getting better sleep.
Dragonfruit contains fiber, which can make you feel fuller for longer and lower your blood sugar levels—both things that will help you fall asleep faster (and stay asleep!).
Dragonfruit is full of fiber.
You may not know it, but fiber is a hugely important component of your diet. By filling you up and helping to maintain gut health, fiber can help you keep off pounds while also lowering your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Most fruits and vegetables contain fiber, as do whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, nuts, and seeds. In fact, the National Cancer Institute recommends that men get at least 38 grams of fiber every day. Women need at least 25 grams per day.
One cup of dragonfruit contains 6 grams of fiber—more than any fruit or vegetable out there! It's also higher in calcium than most other foods: one cup provides 6% of your daily recommended intake.
Dragonfruit can help support healthy gut bacteria.
Dragonfruit supports healthy gut bacteria.
This fruit is rich in prebiotics, a special type of fiber that helps good bacteria grow and thrive in the gut. A well-balanced amount of good gut bacteria can help with digestion and support overall health. Prebiotic fiber has also been linked to weight control, stronger bones and a lower risk of diabetes.
Other foods that are high in prebiotics include bananas, onions and garlic. Adding more of these foods to your diet can help you reap the benefits of prebiotics and get even more probiotic power out of your dragonfruit consumption.
Dragonfruit can help fight cancer.
Dragonfruit has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight cancer. It's also high in vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols—all of which have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer.
Additionally, dragonfruit has been shown to help with diabetes by regulating insulin levels. Hormonal balance is essential for overall health and longevity, so eating dragonfruit could potentially boost your quality of life in more ways than one.
Dragonfruit has some very real health benefits
Studies show that dragonfruit has many health benefits. When eaten regularly, it can help you lose weight and improve your digestion. Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but I am someone who likes to help others so I’m going to share some of my favorite tips for cooking with dragonfruit:
Look for firm fruit. You want the fruit to be firm and pinkish when buying it from a grocery store.
Buy whole fruit instead of pre-sliced or canned pieces. Whole fruits contain more fiber and nutrients than pre-sliced or canned fruits do.
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