Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the Western world. However, it contains some side effects that can sometimes be serious.
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit with an irresistibly delicate taste, similar to that of kiwis. Plus, it’s packed full of essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruit is also an excellent source of fiber, which helps you feel full for longer and improves digestion and regularity. Plus, it may reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity as well.
Dragon Fruit Side Effects
High in Fiber
If you’re looking to boost your fiber intake, dragon fruit is a great option. It’s packed with both fiber and prebiotics which can support healthy digestion and bowel health.
Furthermore, this superfood contains antioxidants which can protect against free radical damage and help to prevent disease. Plus, it’s low in calories at just 60 per half cup!
Dragon fruit seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels and decrease your risk for heart diseases.
Furthermore, dragon fruit contains phytonutrients like lycopene that improve cardiac pumping capacity as well as protect against inflammation that could increase cancer or other serious illnesses.
Fruit salads and desserts make delicious treats that you can incorporate into your recipes. Plus, its nutritional profile makes it ideal for adding to a balanced diet – perfect for when you need an energy boost!
Allergic Reactions
Dragon fruit (pitaya or pitahaya) is an exotic tropical fruit with numerous health and cosmetic advantages. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to dragon fruit, so it should be avoided at all costs.
If you have an allergy to this fruit, it can cause rashes, itching, nausea, mouth swelling and other symptoms. While these reactions tend to be mild in nature, they can become serious and even life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Avoid these symptoms by avoiding raw fruits and consuming them only when ripe. A reliable way to tell if a fruit is ready is by looking for bright red skin with even color that gives slightly when squeezed.
Dragon fruit juice may be easier to come by than whole fruits, and while it doesn’t contain as much fiber as the fruits do, it does contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Gas and Bloating
Dragon fruit contains high fiber levels which can be beneficial to digestion. However, some individuals report experiencing bloating or other gas-related side effects when increasing their fiber intake.
To minimize these issues, increase your fiber consumption gradually and follow it with plenty of water.
When selecting dragon fruit to consume, be sure to select the ripest variety possible. Doing this will help minimize any digestive issues you may experience.
Ripe dragon fruit should have bright, even-colored skin that appears soft yet firm when squeezed. It should give slightly when gently pressed with your thumb or fingers but should not become soft or mushy.
Additionally, pregnant and nursing mothers should consume dragon fruit in moderation as its dietary fibers may increase the risk of digestive problems in both mother and child.
Cancer Risk
Dragon fruit is an enticing tropical fruit that boasts plenty of health benefits. It can be enjoyed alone or added to salads, smoothies and yogurt for a nutritionally dense boost.
Dragon fruit’s high antioxidant content helps prevent and fight cancer, thanks to the vitamin C and carotenoids it contains. These powerful natural protectors work to combat free radicals while shielding your immune cells from toxins and other damaging agents.
Furthermore, it contains prebiotic fibers which promote healthy bacteria development and balance your gut microbiota.
Consuming prebiotics on a regular basis reduces your risk for digestive tract infections, as well as symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colon cancer.
Hylocerus, commonly known as dragon fruit, comprises several varieties that range in color from yellow to reddish-pink. Native to Central America and now grown worldwide–including India, Vietnam, Colombia, Ecuador, Florida and the Caribbean–these fruits have become highly sought-after commodities.
How Does Dragon Fruit Affect Your Digestive System?
Dragon fruit consumption is generally safe, however studies have noted rare adverse reactions such tongue swelling, rashes, and vomiting.
A glut of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, can result from consuming excessive amounts of dragon fruit, which may increase the risk of lung cancer.
A rise in potassium levels can also result from consuming too much dragon fruit, which might result in hypotension.
Those who are pregnant or nursing should also exercise caution when ingesting dragon fruit because it may cause digestive problems for both the mother and the unborn child.
Does Dragon Fruit Increase Blood Pressure?
No proof exists that dragon fruit can increase blood pressure.
In reality, studies have shown that dragon fruit has a lot of health advantages, including lowering cholesterol and saturated and trans fats, preventing artery-clogging plaque, preserving healthy blood flow, and offering relief from stroke or heart issues due to its high potassium level.
Aortic stiffness and oxidative stress have also been reported to be decreased by dragon fruit in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
