Why You Should Add Dragon Fruit To Your Diet

Though its name may sound intimidating, dragon fruit is becoming an increasingly popular addition to people's diets in everything from salads, to smoothies, to cocktails. If you've never tried dragon fruit before and you're curious as to what all the hype is about, don't worry, due to it's strikingly bright and fantastical looking appearance, it's not hard to spot at the supermarket. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, dragon fruit is delicious, but studies suggest that it may also provide a variety of health benefits due to its high nutritional value. What's not to love? 

Though bright fruit comes in a variety of colors, according to Healthline, "the two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon — hence the name." Between its red skin, and its taste having been described as a cross combination between a kiwi and a pear, it's no wonder that it's alternatively known as a "strawberry pear." When split open, the soft juicy middle is referred to as "the flesh," and it's most commonly found to be white with small black seeds. However, this inside color can range from red, to pink, to purple, and depending on which color it is, the taste can also vary in sweetness.

The inside flesh of the dragon fruit is not only tasty, but it's also low-calorie and packed with fiber. Fiber has been linked to gut and digestive health in a number of ways such as relieving constipation, normalizing bowel movements, and potentially lowering the risk of colon cancer (via the Mayo Clinic). In some instances, animal studies have shown that when introduced into their diet, dragon fruit seemingly stimulated the growth of the healthy bacteria needed in the digestive tract to keep the gut operating at peak performance.

In addition to fiber, dragon fruit also contains antioxidants and a variety of vitamins and minerals which can help protect us from age-related disease. For example, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which are recommended for daily intake, are all found in dragon fruit and all play a role in maintaining our overall health from our blood, to our energy levels, to our immune system (via the Cleveland Clinic).

Though dragon fruit may initially appear as something straight out of a fantasy novel, it is far from scary. In fact, between its distinctive appearance, nutritional value, and filling nature, dragon fruit makes for a well-rounded addition to one's daily diet. Whether you're looking for a light snack to keep you full throughout your work day, or you're looking to spice up a fruit tray at your next pool party, dragon fruit just might be the solution you're looking for.