What is Pitaya or Dragon Fruit Good for?

The pitaya, also known as dragon fruit ,  pitahaya, picajón, aurero  or  warakko , is a fruit from Central America, which belongs to the cactus family. This exquisite fruit is characterized by expelling a rich aroma and having a sweet taste that is pleasant to the palate.

Certainly, dragon fruit has essential medicinal properties for the body, this is because it provides important health benefits, as it serves to strengthen the immune system, regulate blood glucose levels, prevent degenerative diseases, among others.

Benefits of pitaya or dragon fruit

The consumption of dragon fruit brings great health benefits, this is due to its vitamins, minerals and other components. Among the benefits that can be obtained by consuming this fruit are the following:

Prevents degenerative diseases

Pitaya is a fruit that contains a wide variety of antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals, therefore, it prevents the development of degenerative diseases such as cancer.

Strengthens the immune system

Thanks to the content of vitamin C and iron, this fruit is useful to strengthen the immune system. In addition, it also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which intervene in the body’s defense system, thus fighting diseases caused by bacteria and / or viruses.

Fortifies teeth and bones

Dragon fruit is a rich source of calcium, a mineral that is vital to keep bones and teeth strong, therefore, by consuming this fruit it is possible to avoid the development of diseases such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis, among others.

Ideal for weight loss

Dragon fruit is an excellent option to lose weight, because after eating it causes a feeling of satiety, due to the fiber it contains. In addition, it provides a lot of water and is low in carbohydrates, components that prevent the appearance of anxiety to eat.

Protects cardiovascular health

The pitaya has small seeds in its pulp, which contain beneficial fatty acids for the health of the cardiovascular system, these fatty acids are responsible for transporting HDL (good) cholesterol, reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol  .

By reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, plaques are prevented from forming on the walls of the arteries, which is why the risk of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes is reduced. Dragon fruit also lowers blood pressure, thus protecting heart health.

Favors digestion

This exotic fruit has a high fiber content that improves bowel movements, stimulates peristaltic movement and stimulates the production of gastric juice. In addition, the soluble fiber in the fruit prevents constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer.

Lowers blood glucose levels

This fruit also helps regulate blood glucose levels, as well as prevents complications that diabetes can cause such as oxidative stress and aortic stiffness, for this reason it is recommended for people who suffer from this disease. On the other hand, the consumption of this fruit is also recommended as a preventive when there is a lack of control in blood sugar levels.

Supports skin health

Thanks to its content of antioxidants, vitamin C, B complex and fatty acids, this fruit favors the health of the skin, because it helps to keep it healthy, as it prevents premature aging.

Prevents anemia

Pitaya improves the absorption of iron in the body, this is an essential mineral to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, regular consumption of this fruit is recommended to get such benefit.

Properties of the pitaya or dragon fruit

The properties that this fruit possesses are due to the components found in it, among the most relevant properties of the dragon fruit are:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antitumoral.
• Antifungal.
• Antibacterial.
• Laxative.

On the other hand, the pitaya has an important nutritional value for the body, due to the large amount of vitamins and minerals it contains, which are essential for the vitality of the human body, among them the following stand out:

• Vitamin A.
• B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6)
• C vitamin.
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Match.
• Iron.
• Football.
• Water.
• Fiber.
• Vegetable protein.

How can dragon fruit be consumed?

Before tasting this rich fruit, it is necessary to check if it is already ripe enough to eat it, for this it is necessary to exert pressure, if it is soft it can be consumed, otherwise it cannot. The ways to consume the exotic dragon fruit are as follows:

• Directly in its natural state.
• In desserts.
• In salads.
• Like jam.
• In juices.
• In smoothies.
• In ice cream.

Its leaves are also beneficial

The dragon fruit is a source of important qualities for the human body, as well as the seeds have fatty acids for the health of the heart and the skin, the leaves of its plant also have benefits, it should only be prepared in infusion for:

• Relieve headaches.
• Prevent insomnia.
• Reduce anxiety.
• Avoid nervous conditions.

Contraindications

There are certain cases in which the consumption of this fruit is counterproductive, therefore, specialists advise limiting or abstaining with respect to its intake; Among these cases, the following stand out:

• Individuals with diverticulosis: those who have been diagnosed with this condition of the digestive tract, have contraindicated the consumption of dragon fruit, this is because its seeds could remain inside the digestive tract and cause pain.
• Individuals with kidney disorders: although the consumption of pitaya is recommended to prevent kidney disorders, once it has already been diagnosed with such a disease it is necessary to avoid its consumption, due to its oxalate content.
• Individuals with gastritis: this disease makes the stomach an extremely sensitive organ and the consumption of this fruit may not be tolerable, therefore, it is contraindicated.

Likewise, the consumption of this fruit should be avoided when it has dark spots or the thorns are withered.

Side effects

This fruit is one of the healthiest and most beneficial, therefore, consuming it in the absence of any contraindication could represent a large number of positive aspects. However, there are some side effects that must be taken into account, these are more likely to develop if the consumption limit is exceeded. The side effects are:

• Color in the feces or urine: it is possible that these become reddish, due to the pigmentation of the fruit, this effect is totally normal and does not cause any unfavorable appearance.
• Vomiting: excessive amounts of the components of dragon fruit can cause vomiting as a side effect.
• Diarrhea: excessive consumption of pitaya can cause diarrhea as an adverse effect, this is due to the amount of fiber it has.

It is necessary to mention that special care must be taken not to eat the peel of the fruit, this is because it is not edible, therefore, it could cause severe stomach pains.

Conclusions: Is it advisable to eat pitaya or dragon fruit?

The consumption of this fruit is recommended to obtain all its great health benefits, as well as to expand the nutritional diet; which will be beneficial to the individual.