Dragon Fruit -ඩ්‍රාගොන් ෆ්ට්

 

Dragon Fruit

ඩ්‍රාගොන් ෆ්ට්

The botanical names are Selenicere usundatus and Selenicere uscostaricensis.

The family is Cactaceae.

Dragon fruit, is a tropical fruit from the cactus family, known for its vibrant skin, spiny scaly exterior and mild, sweet flesh dotted with edible black seeds.     

It grows as a climbing vine of the genus Selenicereus, with key species including Selenicereusundatus (white-fleshed) and Selenicereuscostaricensis (red-fleshed).

 

Common White Dragon Fruit

Selenicereus undatus (pink skin, white flesh).

 

Red Dragon Fruit:

Selenicereus costaricensis (pink skin, red flesh).

 

Yellow Dragon Fruit:

Selenicereus megalanthus (yellow skin, white flesh).

 

It is native to Central and South America, now widely grown in tropics including Vietnam and in Australia. It is a climbing cactus that can grow up to 30 feet long, often utilizing trees or posts for support. The flowers famous for its large, fragrant "night-blooming" flowers that open for only one night.

It is a very invasive cactus and its roots dig into the cracks in cement pillars. I think it uses magnesium and calcium in cement pillars. The dolomite that is used in cement production has both calcium and magnesium.

I had two seasons with it to photograph its beautiful white bloom. Our rooftop garden was small and this cactus was given the driest corner at the far end. Its roots started eating into the cement cracks in the corner most pillar of our roof top garden. It took nearly three days for me to remove all the roots and seal the cracks with cement. I destroyed it fully and did not allow the peaces to root again even in our back garden.

It is a hardy cactus and love cement structures. AI says it does not thrive on cement but I do not believe that assertion and  the roots make the cracks wide open for the tropical weather to complete the damage to the cement pillar unless, the cracks are sealed sooner than late.

Frequently eaten fresh, in smoothies or in fruit salads. Low calorie fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, with red-fleshed varieties often having higher antioxidant content.

Dragon fruit is rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium and iron. Its key benefits include aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, supporting heart health, promoting skin health and providing antioxidant protection against cell damage from free radicals. The antioxidants in dragon fruit, such as betalains and flavonoids, contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against certain chronic diseases. The dietary fiber: promotes healthy digestion. Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron. Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function.

Iron plays a role in red blood cell production.

Antioxidantss that include betalains, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids  combat oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Other Minerals provides small amounts of calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Antioxidants, especially from red dragon fruit, protect skin cells from UV damage and promote elasticity.Compounds like betalains and flavonoids neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing inflammation and minimising the risk of chronic diseases. The fruit has a high water content, which contributes to hydration. Low in calories and high in fiber, dragon fruit can promote feelings of fullness, making it a helpful part of a weight management plan.

Some people say it tastes like a cross between a pear and a kiwi.

Provides several antioxidants

Dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants. These are compounds that protect the cells from unstable molecules called free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and ageing.

These are some of the main antioxidants contained in dragon fruit pulp.

Betalains

Found in the pulp of red dragon fruit, these deep red pigments have been shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL and other health risk factor markers.

Hydroxycinnamates

This group of compounds has demonstrated anticancer activity in test-tube and animal studies.

Flavonoids

This large, diverse group of antioxidants is linked to better brain health and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Animal studies suggest that dragon fruit may provide various health benefits. Many of these are likely due to its fiber and antioxidant content. Both red and white varieties of dragon fruit have been shown to reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver in obese mice.

In one study, mice on a high fat diet who received an extract of the fruit gained less weight and had reductions in liver fat, insulin resistance and inflammation, which were attributed in part to beneficial changes in gut bacteria. Dragon fruit contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, potentially improving metabolic health.

Although this fruit may improve certain features of metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, not all effects may be favourable.