Nutritional Information of Dragon Fruit

Overview

With a beautiful presentation, dragon fruit is catching the eye of fruit lovers. Native to Mexico, the nutritional benefits of dragon fruit are well known in Asia, Australia and in Central and South America. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, belongs to the cactus family and has three main types: the Hylocereus undatus is red-skinned with a white flesh, the Hylocereus polyrhizus is red-skinned with a red flesh, and the Selinecereus megalanthus has a yellow skin and a white flesh. Agriculture Business Week reports that the dragon fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and important nutrients.

Fiber

Dragon fruit has 1 g of fiber per 100 g serving. Fiber provides health benefits such as lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It also helps with weight management and in maintaining bowel integrity and health and is key to lowering blood cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar levels.

Antioxidants

Dragon fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, which are important in fighting dangers from free radicals that occur naturally in the body. Free radicals damage cells and DNA and facilitate aging; they also facilitate development of a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and reduce some of the damage they cause. The two types of antioxidants are primary, those produced by the body, and secondary, those found in foods, such as the dragon fruit.

Vitamins

Dragon fruit contains several key vitamins. It has Vitamin C, which helps improve the immune system and aids in healing cuts and bruises. It also contains many B vitamins: Vitamin B1 produces energy and metabolizes carbohydrates; Vitamin B2 is needed for normal thyroid function and metabolism; Vitamin B3 decreases bad cholesterol and helps rejuvenate the skin. Dragon fruit also contains B-sitosterol, which helps to reduce high blood pressure or hypertension. There is 0.043 mg each of vitamins B1, B2 and B3 per 100 g serving of dragon fruit. Dragon fruit has 9 mg of Vitamin C per 100 g serving.

Protein and Carotene

Dragon fruit contains protein, which is important to every cell in the body. Hair and nails comprise mostly protein, and tissue requires protein for building and repair. In addition, protein makes enzymes, hormones, bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Protein is a macro-nutrient, meaning the body requires a large amount because the body does not store it. Each 100 g serving of dragon fruit has 0.229 g of protein. Carotene prevents cancer and heart disease, boosts immunity and supports good vision, as mentioned in the UC-Berkeley Wellness Newsletter. Carotene is found in deeply colored fruits, such as dragon fruit. A 100 g serving of dragon fruit has 0.012 mg of carotene.

Consumption

A soft rind indicates a properly harvested fruit, yielding the best taste and texture. The dragon fruit has 65 calories per serving. It is best to eat cold or at room temperature. Similar to the papaya, the dragon fruit is slit down the middle and the flesh is scooped out. The empty rinds can be fashioned into a bowl. Eat the seeds and flesh, not the rind.