The other day while routinely shopping for produce at one of my favorite stores, I met a lady. This young lady was trying to decide on which fruit to choose from a bin. The lady and I made eye contact at which time we greeted each other with a simple “hello”. She asked me if I liked it and gestured toward the fruit. I responded, “I’m not sure, I’ve never had it and well what is it?” She replied, “Dragon Fruit.” To that I acknowledged that the name was appropriate as it reminded me of a dragon and we both laughed. She suggested that I try it and that it had many good health benefits. Of course with that, I was sold. We continued to chat a bit more about how to know when the fruit was ripe, how to eat it, etc.
I bought a dragon fruit that day and could hardly wait to taste it and to learn of the health benefits that it offered. I must admit the taste was good but a bit odd. It reminded me of kiwi and I felt vindicated in that as it is how so many others on the internet describe the taste. To eat it, you simply cut it in half and scoop it out with a spoon. I’ve learned that there are many varieties of dragon fruit. I am excited to try them all. The inside of the dragon fruit variety that I ate was white with black speckles. I’ve read that they are good in smoothies, on salads, and in yogurt. The dragon fruit is native to southern Mexico and Central America.
Following are some of the amazing benefits of the dragon fruit (reference: www.healthline.com):
Fiber – helps with keeping the digestive system healthy, ease bowel movements and flushes cholesterol and harmful cancer causing agents out of the body
High magnesium – magnesium is an important mineral that helps with nerve function, regulates blood pressure and supports the immune system
Contains several antioxidants – antioxidants protect your cells from unstable molecules called free radicals; free radicals are linked to chronic diseases and aging
Stabilizes insulin – reduces/improves insulin resistance
Gut protection – contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut
Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps in strengthening immunity, aides the absorption of iron by the body, makes our teeth healthier, and promotes healthy and glowing skin.
Dragon fruit is an exotic looking powerhouse nutrient dense low calorie fruit. The next time that you are picking up produce, add a dragon fruit to your cart…you won’t regret it!
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