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The surprising health benefits of eating dragon fruit

If you’re a fan of colour and bursts of flavour when it comes to fruits or when feasting on a delicious fruit bowl or salad, then you’re definitely missing out if you have not tried out a dragon fruit. 

Dragon fruit, or “pitaya,” is said to be a superfood packed with loads of nutritional benefits, with a soft texture and a tropical flavour of pear and kiwi combined. We offer a guide into the nutritional benefits of adding a dragon fruit to your diet. 

Helps to strengthen the immune System

Dragon fruits are truly a nutritional gem with all their health benefits, such as Vitamin C, magnesium, and many antioxidant properties, alongside being a low-calorie food. Due to its high Vitamin C and antioxidant properties, dragon fruit is good to consume if you are looking to strengthen your immune system. 

High in antioxidants

As mentioned above, dragon fruits have antioxidant properties that can help the body when it comes to inflammation and repairing cells. Consuming foods that are inflammation fighters can also help to lower your risk of lifestyle illnesses such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. 

Can improve gut health

Adding dragon fruit to your diet can potentially aid in helping your body increase the number of healthy bacteria in your gut because of the fruit’s prebiotics. 

Helps prevent constipation

Dragon fruits are a good source of fibre, which can help to soften your stool beneficial if you regularly suffer from constipation. 

Increases iron

One of the rare fruits that contain iron, dragon fruit is especially important for our bodies for breaking down foods in our digestive system and helping with the transportation of oxygen through our body. Consuming iron-rich foods like dragon fruit is extremely important for people who struggle with low iron levels. 

Compiled by: Katelin Maggott

First published by Food & Home

Also see: Reasons to treat your gut with okra water

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