It may look ugly on the outside, but peel away the skin and you will enjoy a plethora of surprising health benefits within.
Today, dragon fruit has gained a bit of a reputation as a ‘superfood’, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. Research shows that dragon fruit may even reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Woman's Health spoke to a number of nutritionists to get the lowdown on the benefits of consuming this bizarre looking fruit. Here's a summary for you.
Good for gut health: In recent times, we’ve all become aware how important our gut health is - and many of us have proactively begun to incorporate more prebiotic-rich foods into our diets. Dragon fruit is another good source of prebiotics, which nourish our gut bacteria. "A good way to think about prebiotics is to think of them as fertilisers for our gut microbiome garden," says Dr Linia Patel, adding that they "have a big benefit on the gut microbiome and thus on our overall health."
Ultra-hydrating: Dragon fruit is made up of around 80 percent water, so it's no surprise that this superfood is an excellent source of hydration.
Boosts fibre intake: "Dragon fruit is a great source of fibre, which acts like fertiliser for your gut microbiome," according to Dr Megan Rossi, founder of The Gut Health Doctor. And Dr Patel says: "It keeps your appetite in check – as it keeps you fuller for longer. It also helps to regulate your blood sugar control."
Packed with antioxidants: "It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A," says Patel. "Both nutrients are vital vitamins and powerful antioxidants that help to neutralise damaging free radicals on a cellular level and over time may help prevent diseases linked with inflammation and oxidative processes like cancer."