Dragon fruit, a beautiful fruit with a bright pink outer shell and white or pink flesh, is quickly gaining popularity in the health community. Not only does its unique appearance make it a beautiful addition to any plate, its anti-inflammatory properties and nutritional benefits make it a powerful addition to any diet.
Nutritional Value
One of the unique elements of dragon fruit is its low caloric content. A single cup of dragon fruit contains approximately 140 grams of fruit and only 60 calories. In addition, this serving size contains:
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 34% of the recommended daily intake
- Iron: 10% of the recommended daily intake
Not only is dragon fruit low in calories and high in vitamin C, it also contains several other essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect and heal it from an injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can be detrimental to our health and lead to the development of several chronic illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods like dragon fruit can help reduce inflammation in the body.
The anti-inflammatory benefits of dragon fruit can be attributed to its high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body that can cause inflammation and damage to our cells.
Bone Health Effects
The high levels of calcium and phosphorus in dragon fruit make it an excellent addition to a diet that promotes healthy bones. Calcium and phosphorus are both necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones.
Immune System Effects
The high levels of vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit can give your immune system a boost. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which work to protect your body from infections and illnesses. Carotenoids, on the other hand, help to support the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Food Combining Information
Pairing certain foods together can help increase the absorption of nutrients and promote better digestion. Dragon fruit can be paired with other anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens to create a powerful and nutritious smoothie.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
To make a delicious and anti-inflammatory smoothie, blend together:
- 1 cup dragon fruit
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious smoothie any time of day to help reduce inflammation in the body.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruit section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy incorporating dragon fruit into your diet!