Not only sweet and refreshing, the benefits of dragon fruit are also not small. The various nutrients in the fruit, which are often used as a mixture of fruit ice, are good for health, from nourishing the digestive tract to boosting the immune system.
Dragon fruit is one type of fruit that is easily found in tropical countries, including Indonesia. There are various types of dragon fruit, but the most commonly consumed by the people of Indonesia are red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit.
Dragon Fruit Nutrient Content
In 100 grams of dragon fruit, contained about 60 calories. Dragon fruit also contains the following various nutrients:
- Carbohydrate
- Fiber
- Protein
- Sugar
- Calcium
- Vitamins A, C and E
Not only that, dragon fruit also contains magnesium, iron, and various types of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols.
Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Health
Thanks to its diverse nutritional content, there are a number of benefits that you can get from consuming dragon fruit. The following are some of the benefits of dragon fruit for health:
1. Healthy digestive tract
Dragon fruit is a fruit that is rich in fiber content. This content is known to be good for smooth bowel movements and healthy digestive tract.
Not only that, the prebiotic fiber in dragon fruit can also support the growth of good bacteria in the intestines and prevent health problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea and constipation.
2. Overcoming high cholesterol
Not only healthy digestive tract, the fiber content in dragon fruit can also reduce cholesterol absorption, so it can lower cholesterol levels in the body.
In addition, dragon fruit also contains betalain, a type of antioxidant that makes the flesh of this fruit red. Betalain antioxidants are known to be able to maintain good cholesterol (HDL) in the body so that levels remain normal.
3. Control blood sugar
Several studies have shown that dragon fruit can control blood sugar by repairing damaged pancreatic cells, so that insulin production increases.
However, this research is still limited to laboratory trials. Therefore, the effectiveness of dragon fruit to control blood sugar still needs to be studied further.
4. Keep blood pressure stable
Another benefit of dragon fruit is to keep blood pressure stable. Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that play a role in lowering blood pressure. Thus, dragon fruit is well consumed by people who suffer from hypertension.
5. Maintain heart health
As previously explained, dragon fruit is able to lower blood pressure, overcome high cholesterol, and keep blood sugar levels stable.
The combination of these benefits makes dragon fruit good for consumption to maintain heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
6. Counteract the effects of free radicals
Dragon fruit is one type of fruit that is rich in antioxidants. This content is able to increase endurance and protect body cells from the effects of exposure to free radicals that can trigger various diseases, such as cancer and degenerative diseases.
The antioxidant content in dragon fruit is also useful for reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
7. Maintain weight
Dragon fruit is one type of fruit that is low in calories and fat free, so it is good for consumption by those of you who are on a diet.
Not only that, dragon fruit is also high in fiber so it can provide a longer full effect. This way, you can lose weight more easily without feeling hungry.
However, not only by consuming dragon fruit, you also need to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day to maintain or lose weight.
Although the benefits of dragon fruit are many, you still have to pay attention to cleanliness and how to process it. Choose dragon fruit that is still in good condition and looks fresh. Don't forget to wash the dragon fruit first before consuming it.
You can consume dragon fruit directly, process it into juice, mix it with fruit salad or fruit ice.
In addition, to complete your daily nutritional needs, you also need to eat other healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and high protein foods.
If you still have questions about the benefits of dragon fruit or a healthy diet according to your health condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
