The pitahaya, better known as dragon fruit, is a fruit native to Central America, more specifically Mexico. It is oval and has spines on the outside. It is usually dark red, pink, or yellow in color and contains a sweet but mild-tasting pulp. It is known for being a tropical and exotic fruit.
Approximately the 60% of this fruit is seed. It can be eaten in a variety of ways, whether in smoothies, homemade ice cream, compotes, used in cakes, or simply eaten fresh. Cut it in half, scoop out the flesh with a spoon, and of course, the seeds can also be eaten. Its flavor is often similar to a combination of a kiwi and a pear.
The pitahaya is highly nutritious, so much so that the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends its consumption.
Benefits and medicinal uses of pitahaya:
Delays cellular aging.
- It has a anti-inflammatory effect.
- Help to prevent kidney stones.
- Reinforces the immune system, stimulating the production of white and red blood cells and platelets.
- Regulates sugar levels in blood.
- Help to regulate intestinal transit and its seeds have a laxative effect.
- Stimulates collagen production.
- It improves iron absorption and is rich in vitamin C.
- It has a content high in water, vegetable protein and fiber.
- It is aromatic and very rich in B vitamins.
Besides, The caloric value of pitaya is very low, It only contains 45 kilocalories per 100 grams. It's great for all stages of life, but especially for overweight and obese people.
On the other hand, it contains small amounts of carbohydrates, little vegetable protein, and almost no fat. Despite having a large amount of vitamins and minerals, it is very low in calories.
So, Go ahead and try this tropical fruit and take advantage of all its nutritional properties.
