Pitahaya, the dragon fruit as a superfood? What are its health benefits?

Pitaya is the fruit of a cactus. It is an exotic fruit native to warm regions of Central and South America. However, it is also found in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The fruits are usually around half a kilogram, but can weigh between 200 and 700 grams. They grow on jungle cacti.

Interestingly, their flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats.

There are different species with different colours, either on the outside or inside. The most famous is the deep pink one with white flesh and black seeds. However, there are also yellow pitahaya with brownish scales.

The oval pink skin also has petals on the surface, which may be green in colour, resembling dragon scales. Hence the name of the fruit.

The inside is usually white with black seeds, but there are also species with a deep pink interior.

The flesh inside is similar in consistency and taste to kiwifruit.

The flesh contains many minerals and vitamins. It is very rich in antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids and also omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Due to its variety and abundance of beneficial substances, it is classified as a superfood.

By consuming dragon fruit, our body gets carotenes, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium and iron as well as vitamins B2, B3, A and C.

Dragon fruit has great effects both externally and internally. It turns out that dragon fruit can also be used as a poultice. The skin can draw the necessary raw materials from it.

It is recommended to cut off a piece of the peel at each end, slice it and then remove the rest as you would an orange.

It can also be cut into marigolds like a melon and eaten like this.

Thanks to its composition, pitahaya will help you recharge your energy. Especially if you are stressed, feeling tired and unbalanced. It will also help with mental balance thanks to the B3 vitamins.

It will also help students in particular as it has a positive effect on memory and concentration.

It helps with healing, also in the prevention of inflammation. It has been shown to be part of the prevention of osteoarthritis.

Dragon fruit also aids digestion and removes harmful toxins from the body. It has a very good effect on proper peristalsis, which is especially pleasing for people suffering from frequent constipation.

It even has a laxative effect on some people. Therefore, its consumption and especially the quantity and intensity should be treated with caution.

Thanks to carotenes, it has a beneficial effect on our eyesight, which is what carotene itself is known for.

With the help of the antioxidants contained in it, our hair and skin will also be fresher and more beautiful. When consumed, they also have a positive effect on the scalp and skin.

Antioxidants also fight against cancer-causing substances. Thus, they help in the prevention of various types of cancer. They are particularly useful in the fight against breast, colon and liver cancer.

Also, its composition helps calm the nerves, which is very helpful in managing stress and lack of focus. Many people also praise this property of pitahaya because it helps them fall asleep better.

It is very useful for dieting and for maintaining a slim line, as it is low in calories and also filling thanks to its fibre, antioxidants and water.

It can be enjoyed in combination with other fruits or on its own. It is also delicious served on a plate and drizzled with lime juice.

It is excellent as a salad combined with kiwi, apple, banana and mango with yoghurt dressing and chia seeds.

As mentioned above, pitahaya is also great for external use on the skin.

The peel itself can be used as a poultice or wrap. This can be applied after consuming the pulp, for example around the eyes, on the face or other problem areas.

If you have dry skin or suffer from dehydration, this poultice can also help.

It even has a good effect on healing wounds and beautifying scars. It also helps against their inflammation.

You can also make a wrap for your hair and scalp.

Use dragon fruit, olive oil and honey. Mix everything properly and massage into the scalp. Apply gradually from the roots to the ends. This will help moisturize, nourish the scalp and add shine to the hair.

Pitahaya grows on cactus stems. Their roots are in the ground and from them grow triangular clusters of stems.

As the main stem grows, it needs appropriate support or suitable cuts so that the cactus trunk is not encumbered by other new clumps.

They can grow up to over 9 metres tall.

Cacti thrive best in full sun and sandy soil at temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius. Adequate humidity is also important.

They produce white flowers that bloom only at night and have a scent reminiscent of jasmine.

Different varieties with a pink or yellow colour are covered with scales. Pitahaya fruits can weigh between 200 and 700 grams.

They are harvested continuously when the individual fruits are large enough and of the right colour.

They should not have brown spots on them and should not be too soft. This is a sign that they are overripe.

Pitahaya is best stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.