JAKARTA – Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit which is very popular lately because it has various properties. According to a research study in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin E and contains lots of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Dragon fruit also has calcium, copper and iron in smaller amounts, is rich in compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoid, carotenoids, betaxanthins and betacyanins. The following are some of the benefits of dragon fruit according to Boldsky, Wednesday.
1. Increase immunity
The presence of vitamin C and flavonoid in dragon fruit can strengthen the immune system and prevent the body from dangerous infections. Because vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant, it can help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
2. Reducing the risk of diabetes
Studies have shown the anti-diabetic effect of red dragon fruit which can be attributed to its antioxidant content and dietary fiber. A study published in PLOS ONE reports that dragon fruit can help increase blood sugar levels in people with pre-diabetes. Another study found that dragon fruit was effective in controlling oxidative damage and reducing aortic stiffness.
3. Improve heart health
Presence betaxanthins and the flavonoids in dragon fruit can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A 2004 study found that dragon fruit contains betaxanthins which prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from being oxidized or damaged. When LDL cholesterol is oxidized or damaged it can cause heart disease. Dragon fruit has also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
4. Maintain weight
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology showed that mice fed a high-fat diet and received dragon fruit extract had less weight gain, reduced fat in the liver and insulin resistance thanks to the presence of betacyanin in it.
5. Manage cancer
Dragon fruit has many antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and can prevent cancer. Research has shown that carotenoids and betaxanthins which is in dragon fruit can reduce the risk of cancer.
A study shows that the antioxidants in the flesh and skin of white and red dragon fruit exhibit anti-proliferative effects on several cancer cell lines.
6. Improve skin health
Since dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, eating it can help keep your skin firm and supple thereby giving it a youthful appearance and preventing premature aging.
7. Supports eye health
Dragon fruit is a rich source of vitamin A, an essential vitamin that plays an important role in maintaining eye health. Vitamin A lowers the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
8. Prevent anemia during pregnancy
Since dragon fruit is a good source of iron, consuming it can prevent anemia during pregnancy. A 2017 study reports that consumption of red dragon fruit juice increases hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels, which can help treat anemia in pregnant women.
News Source: BETWEEN.
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