The pitahaya , or dragon fruit , comes from Central America . It is a fruit that grows on the leaves of cacti and can be found in three varieties: red, pink and yellow . In addition to an exquisite flavor , this tropical fruit contains numerous minerals and nutrients that are very beneficial for health. Discover how to take advantage of the properties of pitahaya by including it in your healthy diet.
If you are one of those who like to try new flavors, take advantage of the fact that we are in pitahaya season and include it in your daily diet. Stay with us and we will tell you why this fruit has been classified as a superfood .
What are the benefits of pitahaya for health?
Dragon fruit is medium in size and weighs no more than 600 grams, however, it contains a high number of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that have multiple health benefits.
Thanks to its composition, pitahaya can be used to prevent health problems and alleviate ailments , as well as to improve the functioning of metabolic processes . To make it easier for you to understand all the properties of pitahaya and its main benefits , here we explain them point by point.
Antioxidant properties of dragon fruit
The pitahaya contains vitamins of group A, B and C , and minerals such as iron and calcium . All of these elements act as natural antioxidants that help reduce free radicals in the body.
When there is an excess of free radicals in the body, malignant tumors and cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis can appear. Therefore, regular consumption of pitahaya is recommended to:
- Help the nervous system function better, improving the quality of memory and learning.
- Prevent aging.
- Improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Avoid being overweight.
Properties of dragon fruit as a slimming agent
Another of the properties of pitahaya is its slimming power . All varieties of this fruit are high in fiber , which is why many nutritionists recommend it for weight loss .
The fiber in pitahaya makes the stomach feel full for longer and, therefore, you do not need to eat large amounts of food. In addition, fiber reduces the sugar content of meals by converting it into insulin , which makes fat burning faster.
Thanks to the fiber and tyramine content, when eating pitahaya, the body produces a substance called glucagon . This enzyme is responsible for burning fats and sugars, converting them into energy .
Another benefit of the high fiber content of this fruit is that it helps fight constipation and irritable bowel , helping the digestive system to function properly .
Benefits for the immune system
The black seeds of the pitahaya are rich in omega 3 , which helps to strengthen the immune system . Therefore, the consumption of pitahaya is recommended to avoid the appearance of some types of cancer related to hormonal changes such as breast and prostate cancer.
This tropical fruit also contains vitamin B2 that favors the formation of platelets and white and red blood cells , which also contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system .
One of the best known properties of pitahaya is its anti-inflammatory effect . Many consume this fruit to reduce inflammation of the arteries and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases .
Its high water content gives pitahaya diuretic properties , ideal for cleansing the body, reducing fluid retention and blood pressure .
How to take advantage of the properties of pitahaya?
The appearance of the pitahaya does not go unnoticed before anyone’s eyes and neither does its peculiar flavor . It can be used to make sweet or savory dishes and give food a unique flavor. Here are 2 recipes so you can take advantage of the properties of pitahaya .
Pitahaya cake
Ingredients
- 2 pitahayas
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ground oats
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup of non-dairy milk or water
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Elaboration
- Pour the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Stir with a spoon so that the ingredients are integrated.
- Then add the vegetable milk or water, coconut oil, lemon juice and the pulp of the pitahayas. Mix everything well until you get a homogeneous dough.
- Then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Finally, put the mold in the oven and bake 30 minutes at 180 degrees with heat from above and below.
- When that time has elapsed, let the cake cool to remove it from the mold.
Fresh pitahaya water
Ingredients
- 6 ripe pitahayas
- Sugar to taste
- Lemon juice
- 1 liter of water
- Ice
Elaboration
- Start by peeling the pitahayas to remove the pulp. Crush well so that they disintegrate
- In a pitcher, add the ice and sugar to taste.
- Then add the crushed pitahayas and the water
- With the help of a spoon, stir so that the pitahaya mixes well.
- Finally, add lemon juice to taste.
