Dragon Fruit benefits || Eating fruits and vegetables is the advice offered by many health specialists since they contain nutrients that the body needs to function. When choosing the vegetables or fruits of the day we can choose from multiple options and among these is the dragon Fruit.
This tropical fruit is native to Central America and Mexico, but today it can be found in almost the entire globe, either by cultivation
or export. Sometimes its taste is extremely sweet, but commonly it is smooth
with a touch of freshness and can be compared to the taste of kiwi or pears.
Also known as pitaya or dragon fruit, this exotic fruit has
a curious appearance that is very attractive and comes from plants of the
cacti family.
The dragon Fruit can be found with pink skin and white or pink
pulp, but it can also be found yellow with a white interior, always with
abundant edible seeds.
In this article, we will talk about all the benefits that dragon Fruit contains, as well as practical recipes where you can take full advantage of it.
Dragon fruit benefits
1. Provides Important Nutrients
Among the benefits of Dragon Fruit is that it is a fruit rich in
both nutrients and minerals, among which are iron, calcium, phosphorus and
magnesium. As well as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Similarly, it
contains dietary fibre and carotenoids.
2. Great source of magnesium
Among the minerals that it can provide, magnesium stands
out, which is relevant for health because there are studies that suggest that
it helps bone health, and muscle contraction and is part of numerous biochemical
reactions in the body.
3. Helps keep you hydrated due to its water content
The Dragon Fruit is a fruit that is really rich in water, which
makes it perfect for quenching thirst, refreshing and hydrating the body. For
this and its low caloric intake, it is recommended to consume if you want to
eat a food that provides satiety.
4. High content of antioxidants
It provides beta-carotene and lycopene, important carotenoids; as well as flavonoids and betalain, other antioxidants. Thanks to this, they can neutralize free radicals, an action that is linked to the prevention of chronic conditions and cardiovascular diseases.
5. The seeds are edible and contain essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3
When a dragon Fruit is cut in half, you can immediately notice
that it is full of small black edible seeds, which does not change between the
different varieties that exist of this fruit.
These collaborate in the digestive process, improving
intestinal transit, and contain captin, a component that promotes heart health.
Similarly, they are also a source of fatty acids, such as
Omega 3, which are compounds that help the body defend itself against various
conditions, including cardiovascular ones because —among several factors— it
helps reduce blood pressure.
6. Promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system
The Dragon Fruit is a magnificent fruit to maintain good health
of the digestive tract because, to begin with, its high percentage of water and
fibre content makes it a great help to prevent conditions such as constipation.
In the same way, it contains prebiotics, this type of
specialized vegetable fibre helps in the balance of the good bacteria that are
in the intestine, promoting its correct functioning and reducing the risk of
intestinal problems.
A relevant fact related to the consumption of foods high in
fibre is that various studies indicate that it helps maintain a healthy weight,
control type 2 diabetes and prevent heart disease.
7. Supports the immune system
Among the vitamins that dragon Fruit provides is vitamin C, as well as antioxidants such as carotenoids, which are beneficial to the immune system, and are of vital importance for the body to prevent infections.
Recipes to enjoy
As we already mentioned, this fruit provides a large number
of health benefits, without forgetting that it has a fresh and versatile
flavour.
Although its appearance is exotic and somewhat cumbersome, ingesting it is quite simple. The way to consume the dragon fruit is to cut it in half so that the pulp can be removed with a spoon.
1. Ceviche with Dragon Fruit
Ingredients
- Sun salt to taste
- 200g fish fillet
- 1 bunch of coriander
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 dragon fruit
- 1 Ataúlfo Mango
- 1 tomato
- ½ red onion
- 2 radishes
- ground black pepper
- 4 lemons
- toasts
Process
- Clean and cut the fish fillets into cubes.
- Place in a container with the lemon juice, ground pepper and Sol Salt to marinate. Let stand for 30 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator.
- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables. Cut into small cubes.
- Mix the fish with the chopped fruits and vegetables.
- Serve with toast. You can accompany it with habanera rocher gourmet sauce if you prefer a spicy flavour.
2. Fruit salad with chamois
Fruit salads are a healthy snack that the whole family can
enjoy, and with a touch of chamoy sauce, they are perfect. In the same way, they
can be prepared with your favourite fruits and even add ingredients such as
peanuts or gummies.
Ingredients
- Sun salt to taste
- 2 pitahayas
- ½ pineapple
- 1 Jicama
- Chamoy Rochef Gourmet Sauce
- chilli powder
- 1 Lemon
Process
- Wash and cut the fruits into small pieces.
- Place in a deep container.
- Add lemon juice, Sal Sol and chilli to taste.
- Finish with the chamoy rocher gourmet sauce.
3. Dragon fruit lemonade
One way to prepare a different lemonade and add more
nutrients to it is to add Dragon Fruit. This also gives it a sweeter touch.
Ingredients
- Sun salt to taste
- 2 dragon Fruit
- 4 lemons
- Water
- sugar or sweetener
- Mint leaves
- Ice
Process
- Cut the pitahayas in half and scoop out the insides with a spoon.
- Place in the blender together with the lemon juice, water to taste, sugar and a pinch of Sal Sol.
- Serve in a pitcher with the mint leaves and plenty of ice.
4. Dragon Fruit, blueberry and kiwi popsicles
These dragon Fruit popsicles are a great option to cool off in
the hot season, and with the canned coconut milk, you will add a sweeter touch
and better consistency.
Ingredients
- Sun salt to taste
- 2 dragon fruit
- ⅓ cup frozen blueberries or strawberries
- 2 kiwis
- 400 ml of coconut milk (1 can)
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
- 1 popsicle mould
Process
- Wash, peel and cut the pitahayas into cubes.
- Add the dragon Fruit, the cup of blueberries, coconut milk, sugar to taste and a pinch of Sal Sol to a blender.
- Peel the kiwis and cut them into slices.
- Place the kiwi slices inside the popsicle mould.
- Pour the mixture from the blender into the moulds.
- Leave it in the refrigerator for one night.
5. Dragon fruit and raspberry smoothie
There is nothing better than starting the day with a healthy
smoothie that fills you with energy. Pitahaya is a fruit that can go in
water-based or milk-based smoothies, depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 dragon fruit
- ⅓ cup of raspberries
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- ½ ripe banana
- 1 glass of almond milk
Process
- Peel the pitahaya and the banana. Preferably freeze before using in the smoothie.
- Place all the ingredients in the blender.
- Serve in a tall glass.
Take advantage of this fruit in the season
The Dragon Fruit is not a fruit that is found in supermarkets
all year round, however, when the opportunity arises, it should not be missed,
since, as we have mentioned, it is a fruit with multiple antioxidants,
minerals, and vitamins.
As it does not need cooking before being consumed, it is
practical to just cut it and enjoy it alone, or even just with a little Salt
Sol to intensify the natural flavours of the pulp.
Choosing healthy
foods like dragon fruit —instead of
junk food—is an important step in maintaining good health and building the
foundation for a better quality of life.
Another healthy choice you can make for your well-being and
that of your family is to choose sea salt —such as Sal Sol— instead of options
such as mine salt since the former is extracted from the oceans through solar
evaporation, while mine salt (rock salt) goes through industrial processes that
cause it to lose minerals.
To learn more about lifestyle, food, health and recipes, we
invite you to continue on this blog where you will find articles such as the
benefits of aloe vera, what is taro and what is black salt, among other
content.
In the same way, if you want to know more than 50 exquisite recipes with the Sal Sol touch, then you need to download our flavour recipe book in the following banner.
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