Lifestyle Desk: Dragon is a famous fruit in America, it has gained great popularity in our country due to its many beneficial properties. The popularity of dragon fruit is increasing due to its many benefits for the body. Due to the increasing demand for dragon fruit, its production is also increasing in the country. But do you know, why keep regular dragon fruit in the diet list?

Dragon

Dragon fruit is also known as Pitaya. The tropical plant is believed to have originated in Central and South America. From there, however, the tree is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

First, in 2007, different varieties of this fruit were brought to Bangladesh from Thailand, Florida and Vietnam. This fruit with soft shell and sweet smell is purple or pink and white in two colors.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, the calorie level of this fruit is relatively low. However, it contains sufficient amount of dietary fiber. One cup of dragon fruit contains 136 calories, 3 grams of protein, zero fat, 7 grams of fiber, 8 percent iron, 18 percent magnesium, 9 percent vitamin C, and 4 percent vitamin E.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits of dragon fruit-

1. It is a fruit rich in antioxidants. It contains antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acids and betacyanins. These natural substances protect your cells from free radicals. It is a type of molecule, which can cause diseases like cancer and premature aging.

2. Dragon fruit also reduces the risk of diabetes. As it is rich in fiber, it helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of this fruit helps in maintaining blood sugar balance.

3. This fruit reduces the risk of cancer. It has anti-cancer properties. It is very helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Apart from this, this fruit is rich in vitamin C, so it also helps in strengthening the immune system of the body. It helps reduce the risk of various chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

4. This fruit is good for digestion. It helps in the growth of good bacteria in the body, which also improves digestion. Apart from this, being rich in fiber, it helps in keeping the digestive system healthy.

5. Dragon fruit is beneficial for the heart. Its tiny black seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. They are very good for the heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. So eating this fruit is very beneficial for heart health. Apart from keeping the heart healthy, it also helps control blood pressure and weight.

6. Due to unhealthy lifestyle, stress, pollution and poor diet, the problem of premature aging has become very common today. As dragon fruit is rich in vitamin-C, it helps in making the skin healthy. So to maintain the glow of the skin, you can have its juice once a day. Apart from this, it is also very beneficial for hair.

7. It also contains about 18 percent magnesium, which makes bones strong and helps maintain good bone health. As a result, the risk of joint pain, fracture or breakdown is also reduced.

8. It is also beneficial for the eyes. It contains beta-carotene. Hence, this fruit helps prevent various eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.

9. This fruit is also beneficial for pregnant women. It contains B vitamins, folate and iron, so it is considered an ideal fruit for pregnant women. Vitamin B and folate help prevent birth defects in the newborn and provide energy during pregnancy. Apart from that, the calcium present in it is very beneficial for the bone development of the fetus.

It also contains magnesium, which helps women fight postmenopausal complications. So you can keep this magical fruit in the diet list.