Dragon Fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit with a vibrant red skin. A member of the cactus family, it is commonly found growing in tropical and subtropical regions of South America and Asia.
The tropical red fruit has a spiky outer skin with green dragon-like scales. Inside, it contains sweet-tasting seed speckled pulp. It grows on the Hylocereus cactus, whose flowers only open at night.
The popularity of Dragon Fruit is soaring as a result of its superfood status and the unique health benefits it offers.
Dragon Fruit is packed full of essential vitamins, including vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It also contains phytonutrients and beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins. These are powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and oxidative stress - both known causes of cell damage, inflammation and chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer and diabetes.
Additionally, Dragon Fruit is a great source of fibre, protein and omega essential fatty acids. It is very low in calories and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Vitamin C - A powerful antioxidant that reduces risks of chronic disease, protects the immune system and helps to ward off signs of ageing.
Betalains - Antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and may help to suppress cancer cells.
Carotenoids - Dragon Fruit contains beta-carotene and lycopene which give it its vibrant red colour and have been linked with reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.
While Dragon Fruit is still considered a fairly ‘new’ fruit here in the West, according to Aztec literature, it actually dates all the way back to the 13th century! In traditional and alternative medicine, Dragon Fruit is used to treat hypertension. The seeds of the fruit are also believed to help regular blood glucose levels and are often used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
According to Viatnamese legends, the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire-breathing dragons. During a battle, when the dragon breathed fire, the last thing that emerged was the fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit was gathered by the victorious soldiers and presented to the Emperor as a gift.
Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C, Betalains, Carotenoids, Flavonoids and Phenolic Acid, which neutralise free radicals in the body and help to prevent chronic disease.
Dragon fruit contains a substantial amount of dietary fibre and is an excellent whole food source. Including fibre in your diet will aid healthy digestion. It has also been linked with preventing heart disease, managing type 2 diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight.
Dragon fruit contains prebiotics that promote the growth of healthy bacteria like lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the gut. Consuming these prebiotics may help to reduce the risk of infections in the digestive tract and symptoms such as diarrhea.
The high vitamin C content and carotenoids in Dragon Fruit help boost the immune system and prevent infection by protecting the white blood cells from free radical damage.
Dragon fruit contains potent anti-inflammatories, which help to reduce the pain caused by arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Studies in individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes suggest that dragon fruit can help to reduce blood sugar levels. Researchers believe that it replaces damaged cells in the pancreas, responsible for making insulin - the hormone necessary for helping the body break down sugar.
Dragon Fruit may have a unique appearance but it tastes pretty similar to familiar fruits like kiwis and pears.
We suggest adding 1-2 teaspoons of Mountainlife Dragon Fruit Powder to your favourite smoothies and juices. You can also sprinkle it onto granola, yoghurt, raw desserts and ice cream for a boost of healthy deliciousness!
Our wild-harvested Dragon Fruit Powder is 100% natural and authentic. We take the whole fruit and mill it into finely ground powder, before freeze-drying it to lock in the nutrients, vibrant taste and beautiful colour. Enjoy it as part of a healthy, balanced diet to boost your vitamin intake, support your immune system and promote a healthy gut.
Optimise your body today with Mountainlife Wild Dragon Fruit Powder!