Dragon fruit (kamalam):Nutrition Facts, benefits,How to eat, side effects

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and white pulp with black seeds, vibrant red outer shell. Get all of the benefits of Dragon fruit without the bitterness. It is loaded with several antioxidants, low-calorie, rich protein, and decent sources of iron, magnesium, and fiber. These all help to protect against many chronic diseases.

What Is Dragon Fruit?

It is also called Dragon pearl fruit, Cactus fruit, Kamalam, Pitahaya, or Pitaya. It is a tropical, delicious superfood, which is very beneficial for health.

The scientific name of the this is Hylocereus cactus, which is also known as Honolulu queen. Apart from this, it is also called Queen of the Night.

The fruit of this attractive, shiny appearance is reddish-pink in color and its leaves are green. Its pulp is white and seeds are black. It looks like a dragon in appearance and that’s why it is named Dragon Fruit.

The plant looks of this beautiful with an aromatic aroma and amazing fruit. Its flowers are very fragrant, which bloom at night and fall until morning. The dragon fruit plant is attractive to watch and its fruit is full of taste. It tastes somewhat similar to a strawberry pear and kiwi fruits.

The fruit has now been renamed Dragon Fruit to ‘Kamalam‘ by the Gujarat government (Indian state). Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that the it looks like a lotus, hence the name of this fruit is given from the Sanskrit word Kamalam. After all, What is types? Where does it originate? How to eat? And what are the benefits of dragon fruit? Let’s know everything about it.

There are three types of this fruit. The difference between the exterior and the interior color is seen. However, in terms of taste, they are almost all the same. Apart from this, the Benefits and side effects of these three are also the same.

• Red Dragon fruit
• Yellow Dragon fruit
• Red Plup Dragon fruit

The most widely available species is white pulp with black seeds, although a less common variant is also present with red pulp and black seeds.

Nutrition Facts of Dragon Fruit

It is very high in nutrients compared to most other fruits.

One medium Dragon fruit— 100 grams — offers the following nutrients. (study)

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbs: 13 grams
• Fiber: 1.8 grams
• Protein: 3.57grams
• Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
• Vitamin E: 2% of the RDI
• Iron: 4%of the RDI
• Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
• Carbohydrates: 10grams

If you are looking for low-calorie foods then there is no better superfood than this. Given the high amount of fiber, protein, and magnesium, as well as extremely low fat and calorie content.

7 Potential Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit

Here are 7 impressive health benefits of this, Which can help in dealing with many physical disorders.

1.Nutritious

It t is rich in phytochemicals — plant chemicals that may have health benefits — and antioxidants like vitamins C, B, and E. They’re also a good source of Betalains, Hydroxycinnamates, and Flavonoids. Look for them juiced, canned, dried, or frozen. This nutrient profile makes dragon fruit one of the most nutritious fruits worldwide. (study)

Good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols, which may have numerous health benefits.

It also has a lot of antioxidants and is a good source of protein. Their small black seeds are edible.

While nutrition labels don’t list these plant compounds, they’re likely responsible for many of the health benefits.

2. It May Be Good for Your Heart

To avoid heart disease, doctors often recommend eating fruits and vegetables that can reduce oxidative stress, and this is found good in the this. It contains elements such as betalains, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid. Which helps in keeping the heart safe.

Small black seeds found in this are good sources of omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, which can be helpful in keeping the heart healthy.

3. It May Be Lower Risk of Diabetes

It contains natural antioxidants as well as good amounts of flavonoids, ascorbic acid, phenolic acid, betacyanin, and fiber. All these elements are helpful in controlling the amount of sugar in the blood of our body.

At the same time, for those who do not have diabetes, the use of dragon fruits can be a good way to avoid diabetes.

4. It Helps to Boost Immunity

Your body’s ability to fight external infections is determined by many different factors, including the quality of your diet. Vitamin-C and carotenoids present in dragon fruit strengthen immunity. And helps eliminate the infection. It helps prevent infection by protecting white blood cells from damage. (study)

5. Dragon Fruit May Be Fight With Chronic Disease

Dragon fruit loaded with antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and betalain. In fact, these antioxidant supplements protect your cells from free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging.

6. Dragon Fruit May Be Good for Digestive Health

Dragon fruit benefits can be very helpful in stomach problems like digestion and constipation. Actually, the oligosaccharide (a kind of chemical compound) present in it has prebiotic properties, which increase the healthy bacteria in the intestine. At the same time, the vitamin-B2 found in it acts like a multivitamin in the body, which can prove to be able to cure loss of appetite.

Along with this, dragon fruits are rich in fiber and many vitamins, which can help improve the digestive system and are also beneficial in relieving constipation.

The amount of water in dragon fruit is very good so it helps to keep you hydrated and as a result prevents constipation.

7. It’s Benefits in Pregnancy 

Consuming it during pregnancy can prove beneficial for pregnant women. Anemia is a common problem in a woman’s body during pregnancy. At the same time, iron content is in dragon fruit, which can help reduce the problem of anemia in pregnant women.

Apart from this, a pregnant woman needs a lot of energy as well as many nutrients, which are found in this.

How to Eat ?

there are many ways to eat dragon fruit.

1. Eat directly
2. Create juice of shake.
3. Small piece of candy.

Side Effects

Keep in mind that take it only in limited quantity, otherwise it can also cause damage.Overall, dragon fruit is unique, incredibly tasty, and can add variety to your diet.