5 Benefits Of Consuming Dragon Fruit, One Of Which Prevents Premature Aging

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a type of exotic tropical fruit, because it is known for its sweet, mottled skin and flesh. The taste of dragon fruit is sweet, or more like a mixture of kiwi fruit and pear. The most widely available dragon fruit varieties are white flesh with black seeds, and red flesh with black seeds. In addition to its attractive appearance, dragon fruit or dragon fruit is rich in nutrients that are beneficial for health, you know. The following is an explanation of the content, the benefits of dragon fruit for health and the side effects of dragon fruit if consumed in excess.

Dragon Fruit Nutrition Content
Dragon fruit is a fruit that is low in calories but rich in vitamins. The nutritional content of red dragon fruit per 100 g includes:

• Water: 85.7 grams (g).
• Energy: 71 cal.
• Protein: 1.7 g.
• Fat: 3.1 g.
• Carbohydrates: 9.1 g.
• Fiber: 3.2 g.
• Ash: 0.4 g.
• Calcium: 13 milligrams (mg).
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Potassium: 128 mg
• Phosphorus: 14 mg
• Iron: 0.4 mg
• Zinc (Zinc): 0.4 mg
• Vitamin B1: .5 mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.3 mg
• Niacin or vitamin B3: 0.5 mg
• Vitamin C: 1 mg

Based on the nutritional content, here are the benefits and efficacy of dragon fruit, including the red one, for your health.

1. Control blood sugar levels
   The fiber content in this fruit can also help control blood sugar levels. Fiber can suppress sugar spikes that occur after a person eats foods with a high glycemic index. Not only that, research published in the journal Plos One in 2016 also found the fact that, pitaya can fight insulin resistance in mice, which is one of the causes of diabetes.

2. Relieves coughs and flu
   In line with the properties above, the benefits of dragon fruit can also help relieve coughs and flu due to the content of vitamin C in it. Although this is not a substitute for medicine, the properties of dragon fruit can help relieve symptoms. The reason is, consuming foods or fruit containing vitamin C can strengthen your immune system so that it can accelerate healing.

3. Protects hair from damage
   For those of you who use hair dye, this fruit juice can also help treat your hair. You only need to apply fruit juice or conditioner containing dragon fruit extract on your scalp. This way, the hair follicles stay open, allowing your hair to breathe and stay healthy and silky.

4. Prevent Anemia
   Consuming dragon fruit regularly can also help prevent anemia. Quoted from klikdokter, one hundred grams of dragon fruit contains 1.9 mg of iron or the equivalent of 11% of the total daily requirement of adults. Iron itself is an important mineral for the process of red cell production. The presence of this mineral content can help red blood cells transport oxygen to all organs and the body. Thus, the body's need for iron will be maintained. If the body is deficient in iron, the production of red blood cells will be disrupted and you will be at high risk of experiencing anemia. In addition, the iron content in dragon fruit also plays an important role in breaking down food into energy. Seeing these benefits, you should need to consume dragon fruit regularly so you don't get tired easily and avoid the risk of anemia.

5. Prevent Premature Aging
   Dragon fruit also contains vitamin E and beta-carotene which are useful for inhibiting the growth of bad cells, which cause premature aging. The Research Journal of Chemical and Environmental Sciences published by the Academy of Environment and Life Sciences, India, revealed that dragon fruit mixed with honey can be a good alternative to natural masks for the skin. Blend the red dragon fruit that has been cleaned with 1/2 cup water until smooth. After that, mix a spoonful of yogurt and stir until evenly distributed.