What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit is a powerful species that goes by many names and has many benefits. The brightly colored fruit grows on a cactus scientifically known as the Hylocereus cactus, or colloquially as the Honolulu Queen. Dragon fruit is often called pitaya or strawberry pear, but the names can be used interchangeably for this exotic tropical species.

Dragon fruit originated in Central America, and today it’s grown around the world. The name dragon fruit refers to the fruit’s dragon-like exterior, which is bright pink or red with green spikes. The interior of the fruit also has a unique appearance, which contains bright white flesh with tiny black seeds. The fruit is not only delicious and nutritious, but it also contains an array of beneficial skin properties.

More Than a Healthy Snack

Though it might not be a part of your everyday diet, dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious addition for anyone looking to boost their health and immunity. The fruit is more than a healthy snack or smoothie ingredient, as it contains many scientifically proven benefits. Dragon fruit is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.

Studies from the African Journal of Biotechnology show that dragon fruit has antioxidative properties, as it contains both betacyanins and betaxanthins. These antioxidants work to fight free radicals in the body, which can lessen the risk for some diseases and strengthen immunity.

Research from the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Studies shows that dragon fruit has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which studies suggest can help with conditions such as arthritis. The fruit also has prebiotic properties, meaning it helps foster the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, which in turn helps to improve digestion.

The benefits of the fruit can be obtained from eating it as well as consuming it in the form of dragon fruit power, which although has been dehydrated, still retains its nutritive and healing powers. Dragon fruit powder can be eaten in smoothies or acai bowls, made into tea, or taken in the form of a powerful and concentrated capsule.

A Beautiful Fruit Leads to Beautiful Skin

There are many ways dragon fruit can help promote glowing skin. Its high concentration of vitamin C makes it perfect for a topical application that helps brighten skin by boosting blood flow to the skin’s surface. The vitamins in dragon fruit also help protect your skin from sun damage, since vitamin C and E help minimize the damage caused by harmful UV rays. Additionally, dragon fruit contains polysaccharides which have been shown to help tighten and firm the skin, which gives the skin a healthy, youthful appearance.