‘D’ is for Dragon Fruit

by Dr Marli Botha

Dragon fruit is not called a super fruit for nothing… It’s the perfect fruit for weight control while still satisfying a sweet tooth!

Facts and Benefits of Dragon Fruit

• Arthritis directly affects the joints and causes severe irritation and immobility. Adding dragon fruit to your diet can help you fight these ailments. Dragon fruit’s benefits for people suffering from arthritis are so great that it’s commonly referred to as the “anti-inflammatory fruit.” (Source: https://nutrition1.knoji.com/nutrition-facts-about-the-dragon-fruit/)
• This fruit becomes a great topical ointment. Turn a slice of dragon fruit into a paste and apply it to your reddened areas on your face or skin, then rinse with water. For best results, use twice daily. You can even make a face mask using the fruit combined with honey as a natural alternative to anti-aging masks. (Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-surprising-benefits-dragon-fruit-you-never-knew.html)
• Dragon fruit does have a small amount of fats because there are so many seeds in the edible part of the fruit. Fortunately these are mostly the healthy mono-unsaturated fats as, of course, they are not processed in any way and therefore are none of the dangerously unhealthy trans-fats seen in most junk food and processed foods. (Source: http://skinnywithfiber.org/7-stunning-health-benefits-of-dragon-fruit/)
• With its calcium and iron content, the dragon fruit is also good for your bones and blood. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations considers dragon fruit a fruit of “high nutritional value” due to its calcium content. The dragon fruit is an even better source of iron, meeting 8 percent of the daily value. In addition to promoting bone health, calcium is needed for proper muscle function and nerve transmission. Iron, meanwhile, is necessary for carrying oxygen throughout your body. The dragon fruit’s high vitamin C content enhances the body’s ability to absorb more iron from the fruit. (Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81272-dragon-fruit-nutrition/)
• Although relatively unknown and new to South Africa, dragon fruit, also called Pitaya, will soon find its way into every South African garden if Robert Nezar of Harties Dragon fruit Farm has his way. (Source: http://kormorant.co.za/10075/roberts-dragon-fruit-scares-bad-health/)

Dragon Fruit fights signs of aging!

(Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-dragon-fruit/)

Dragon fruit can be incorporated into your skin care regimen. It helps fight the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines when used as a face pack once a week.

What do I need?

• 1/2 dragon fruit
• 1 tablespoon yogurt

What do I have to do?

• Scoop out the pulp of the dragon fruit and make a smooth paste from it.
• Add the yogurt to the paste.
• Apply the pack to your face and neck, and keep it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Why does this work?

Aging is caused by the free radicals that are present in our body. These free radicals cause cellular damage that result in wrinkles. Dragon fruit is a rich source of antioxidants. It helps fight the free radicals and slows down the aging process. This makes your skin look younger and smoother.