Juicy Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit
Helps Manage Blood Sugar
Dragon fruit contains seven grams of fiber per serving, making it an ideal whole food source for individuals aiming to increase their fiber intake. Studies suggest the high fiber content in fruits like dragon fruit helps manage blood sugar by preventing the rapid glucose elevation that typically occurs after eating high-glycemic foods. In general, the fiber in dragon fruit seems to increase the stability of blood sugar readings, reducing episodes of both high and low blood sugar, which can be a daily worry for diabetes patients.
Animal studies on diabetes have suggested dragon fruit helps decrease the stiffness of the aorta and reduce oxidative stress on the body. Regular consumption of dragon fruit could, therefore, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetes patients. Since individuals with diabetes already have a higher risk of heart issues than patients without the condition, incorporating dragon fruit into the diet could be an ideal step in preventing potential cardiovascular complications.
Boosts The Immune System
Dragon fruit boosts the immune system with its rich variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The white blood cells within the immune system are responsible for fighting infections throughout the body. However, these cells are very sensitive to damage from free radicals, and this damage may impair the cell's normal function. Nutrients in dragon fruit, including vitamin C and carotenoids, help neutralize free radicals and protect the white blood cells from damage, strengthening the immune system to better fight infections. Although carotenoids are available in supplement form, they are most easily absorbed through dietary sources like dragon fruit.
Studies suggest the immune-boosting properties of dragon fruit and similar foods may help prevent chronic diseases, many of which are associated with inflammation from free radicals. For example, the antioxidants in dragon fruit could help prevent diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to carotenoids, dragon fruit contains compounds known as betalains. In test tube studies, betalains have been effective in fighting oxidative stress, and research suggests they may also be able to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Immune-boosting foods such as dragon fruit are particularly beneficial for patients taking medication that may compromise their immune system health and make them more vulnerable to infection. For example, adding dragon fruit to the diet could be useful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those taking anti-rejection medication after an organ transplant.
