Dragon fruit in Hindi: Dragon fruit is the fruit of a variety of cactus species. It has a unique appearance, sweet taste, and crunchy texture. This contains multiple antioxidants that are beneficial for good health. It also contains many vitamins and minerals that are important for a healthy body.
This article takes a look at dragon fruit, including its nutrition, benefits, and how to eat it
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit(dragon fruit in Hindi) is a food that grows on a climbing cactus called Hylocereus, which you’ll find in tropical regions around the world. The plant’s name comes from the Greek word “hyle,” which means “woody,” and the Latin word “cereus,” which means “waxen.”
On the outside, the fruit has the appearance of a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting up like flames around it. Cut it open, and you’ll find fleshy white stuff inside dotted with black seeds that are OK to eat.
This fruit comes in red- and yellow-skinned varieties. The cactus originally grew in southern Mexico and South and Central America. The French brought it to Southeast Asia in the early 19th century.
Central Americans call it “pitaya.” In Asia, it’s a “strawberry pear.” Today, you can buy dragon fruit throughout the U.S.
It is juicy with a slightly sweet taste that some describe as a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon. The seeds have a nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Dragon fruit contains small amounts of several nutrients. It’s also a decent source of iron, magnesium, and fiber.
Here are the nutrition facts for a serving of 3.5 ounces, or 100 grams
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1.2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
1. May Help Fight Chronic Disease
Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage, which may lead to inflammation and disease. One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant-rich foods like dragon fruit.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation. Studies suggest that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.
2. Rich in antioxidants
According to a study in the African Journal of Biotechnology, dragon fruit contains the antioxidants betacyanins and betaxanthins. These compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds in the body that can cause cell damage.
The actions of betacyanins and betaxanthins can prevent free radicals from causing further damage.
3. Supports Your Immune System
People who have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to a variety of illnesses. This can include the common cold and flu and infections. Dragon fruit contains vitamin C, which can give your immune system a boost and defend your body against foreign invaders (germs and bacteria) and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable
atoms in the body that can lead to cell damage.
4. Promotes Skin Health
Eating dragon fruit also carries benefits for the skin. It may help reduce age spots, wrinkles, dry skin, and acne. The potential skin benefits come from its vitamin C and antioxidants in the fruit. These vitamins and minerals can play a role in gradually repairing cell damage, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
5. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Dragon fruit might be the perfect food if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health and possibly help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Because of the antioxidants in the fruit, and the fact that its seeds — which are edible — provide your body with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, eating the fruit may help reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. Improving your cholesterol can help reduce plaque buildup in your arteries, which promotes healthy blood flow.
6. Promotes a Healthy Gut
Your gut is home to some 100 trillion diverse microorganisms, including more than 400 species of bacteria. Many researchers believe this community of microorganisms may impact your health. Both human and animal studies have associated imbalances in your gut to conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Given that dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Given that dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
7. Heart Healthy
Americans have increasing problems maintaining cardiovascular health. Fortunately, this fruit has an amazing superpower that helps decrease bad cholesterol levels and replenish good levels. Dragon fruit (dragon fruit in Hindi) is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay in great condition.
8. Active Antioxidants
To rid the body of free radicals and cancer-producing properties, you can eat foods that contain antioxidants. Believe it or not, dragon fruit is giving acai berries a run for their money.
How to add to the diet
To eat, use the following steps:
- Test to see whether the dragon fruit is ripe by pressing on its outer peel. If the peel gives slightly, it is likely to be ripe.
- Cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise. If desired, cut the fruit once more into four parts. This can make removing the peel easier.
- Remove the outer peel and discard any remaining pink portions of the fruit. These are edible but tend to taste very bitter.
- Eat the flesh of the dragon fruit, including the small black seeds. These contain fiber that can add to the health benefits of eating dragon fruit.
- Some people squeeze lime juice over the fruit to enhance its flavor. A person can also chill, grill, or blend dragon fruit into various dishes to make a nutritious and flavorful food option.
While most people do not usually eat the skin due to its bitter flavor, some people will pickle the skin and eat it alone or incorporate it into a salad. This adds the benefit of additional flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to Prepare Dragon Fruit
Before you buy it, squeeze it gently. It should give a little bit without feeling too soft or mushy. Avoid fruit that has bruises or dry leaves — signs that it’s overripe. If it feels hard when you press on it, let it ripen on the counter for a few days before eating.
To prepare the fruit, cut it into quarters. Either peel away the skin or remove the flesh with a spoon, ice cream scoop, or melon baller. Don’t eat the skin. (dragon fruit in Hindi)
How to eat?
You can eat dragon fruit in a few ways. Toss it into a fruit salad along with other tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Cut it into a salsa. Churn it into ice cream. Squeeze it into juice or water. Use it as a topping for Greek yogurt. Or freeze it and blend it into a smoothie.
How to Store it
Store any leftover dragon fruit in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is an It Sweet or Sour? What to Expect From Its Taste
Given dragon fruit’s unique appearance, you might hesitate to give it a try. But don’t let its spiky strangeness scare you. Dragon fruit (dragon fruit in Hindi) will likely agree with your palate if you prefer sweet-tasting, rather than sour, fruit.
Some people compare the taste of dragon fruit to a combination of kiwi and pear. So if you’re a fan of these types of fruit, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll fall in love with it.
Health Risks
It is generally safe to eat, although studies have reported isolated allergic reactions. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue, hives, and vomiting. This type of reaction seems to be very rare.
If you eat enough red dragon fruit, it might turn your pee pink or red. This symptom looks more alarming than it actually is. The same thing can happen if you eat a lot of beets. Your pee should turn back to its normal color once the fruit is out of your system. (dragon fruit in Hindi)
How To Use On Skin
1. Skin Tightening Face Pack
You Will Need
1/2 dragon fruit
1 tablespoon yogurt
Process
- Scoop out the pulp of the dragon fruit and mash it into a smooth paste.
- Add the yogurt to the paste.
- Apply the pack to your face and neck and keep it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the pack with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.
- Repeat this process once a week for two months.
2. Dragon Fruit Face Mask For Pimples
You Will Need
¼ dragon fruit
3-4 cotton balls
Process
- Scoop out the pulp of the dragon fruit and mash it into a smooth paste using a fork.
- Dab it on the affected area using a cotton ball. Use a fresh cotton ball to apply it to another area to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. Let your face air dry.
- Repeat this process twice a week.
Also read: Ash Gourd: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses For Skin And Hair, Side Effects
3. Face Pack For Sunburned
You Will Need
¼ dragon fruit
1 vitamin E capsule
Process
- Scoop out the pulp of the dragon fruit and mash it with a fork to make a paste.
- Puncture the vitamin E capsule and squeeze its oil into the dragon fruit paste. Mix thoroughly.
- Apply the pack to the sunburned area. Keep it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water and let your face air dry.
- Use this pack every alternate day until the symptoms subside.
- Wondering if dragon fruit has any side effects? Find out below
Also read: Health Benefits Of Makhana Its Nutritional value And Side Effects