Dragon Fruit – Pitaya or Pitahaya
Dragon fruit also known as pitaya or pitahaya is the fruit of several different cactus species indigenous to the Americas. In Costa Rica, dragon fruit can be found in the dry stony areas of the Guanacaste and northern Puntarenas provinces, as these are the aridest parts of the country it is very common to find dragon fruit in the ferias and fruit stands from the months of June to November when they are in season. The spiny outsides of the ripe fruit will be either pink or yellow. If it is still green it is not yet ripe or ready to be picked. Cutting through the skin exposes the gelatinous pulp. The meat of this exotic fruit is vibrant purple or bleach white with speckles of black seeds. This colorful fruit leaves a serious stain, so be careful. Dragon fruit is often used in smoothies to produce an enticing bright colored drink.
Health benefits of Dragon Fruit include:
1. High In Nutrients - it is low in calories, but packed with essential vitamins and minerals and also contains dietary fiber.
2. May Help Fight Chronic Disease- it is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, Betalains, and Carotenoids content.
3. May Protecting Against Heart Disease, Manage Type 2 Diabetes and Maintain A Healthy Body Weight - due to high fiber content.
4. Promotes A Healthy Gut - contains prebiotics, a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
5. Strengthens Your Immune System - with Vitamin C and carotenoids that boost your immune system and prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage.
6. May Boost Low Iron Levels - is one of the few fresh fruits that contain iron.
7. Creates DNA, Converts Food Into Energy, Aids Muscle Contraction, and Forms Bones - due to high levels of magnesium.
1 servings
1 Fruit (198g)
- Amount per serving
- Calories61
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat .5g1%
- Sodium 6.9mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g11%
- Total Sugars 9g
- Protein 1.1g
- Vitamin A 1.7mcg1%
- Vitamin C 155mg173%
- Calcium 2.8mg1%
- Iron 1.7mg10%
- Potassium 312mg7%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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