The health benefits and uses of dragon fruit also known as pitaya.
1. The dragon fruit or the pitaya is a delicious fruit which comes from large cactus type plants, native to Central America, but are now grown all over the world.
2. There are three main varieties of this fruit:
Pitaya Blanca (Pink Skinned with White Flesh)
Pitaya Roja (Red Skinned with Red Flesh)
Pitaya Amarilla (Yellow Skinned with White Flesh)
Each variety has a slightly different taste. The red flesh variety is said to taste sweeter.
Many people are worried that these are genetically modified, however they are 100 percent natural, as the red colouring comes from the natural pigment hylocerenin.
3. These exotic, tasty fruits are excellent for increasing energy levels and mental focus. It is recommended to eat these in the morning to provide the body with energy and get rid of grogginess.
4. The fruit contains phytochemicals which help to improve blood circulation and improve the health of the heart.
5. The seeds within are very healthy and contain a natural oil, which helps to stimulate digestion, and relieve constipation.
6. The fruit contains a strong dose of Vitamin C and flavonoids which destroy cold and flu infections when eaten regularly.
7. It also contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, Calcium, Iron, Protein, Niacin, Fiber and Phosphorus.
8. The peel of the fruit can also be steeped in hot water to make a cancer fighting tea. This is due to the polyphenols and flavonoids contained within.
9. Dragon Fruit also contains oligosacchardies. These are prebiotics which improve the health of the gut, helping those with obesity, vascular diseases and hypersensitivity.
10. The fiber in the fruit also helps to stabilise blood sugar, and has been proven to reduce the risk of diabetes and associated symptoms
11. The seeds are rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
12. Eating a dragon fruit a few times a week can boost the amount of antioxidants you consume. This alongside the phosphorus, helps to keep the skin looking young at the cellular level.
13. Lycopene found within dragon fruit can help in preventing prostate, breast, liver, skin and lung cancer.
How To Eat Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
The pitaya fruit should be slice in half length ways, and scooped out using a spoon. This can be eaten in fruit salads, blended into smoothies or juices.
You can use a melon baller to scoop out perfect balls of this seeded fruit, for excellent presentation.
The skin around the fruit is also healthy and can be steeped into boiling water to make a herbal tea, with extra health benefits.
The flowers of the pitaya are often cooked and eaten in soups and stir fries in Asia. They can also be dehydrated to make a powder and also used as a tea.
To learn more about exotic fruits and natural remedies, please see our other videos.
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