Dragon fruit can be eaten fresh, mixed with yogurt, or added to smoothies and salads. The fruit has red skin, white or red flesh, and black seeds, and offers several health benefits.

Dragon fruit contains iron, magnesium, fiber, and several other nutrients. According to American lifestyle magazine Health, 100 grams of dragon fruit provide 57 calories, 0.36 grams of protein, 0.14 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, along with 5% of the daily value for vitamin C, 1% for iron, and 2% for magnesium.

Dragon fruit contains many antioxidants like betalains, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids, U.S. health and wellness website Healthline said. They help protect cells from free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging.

Betalains are red pigments in the flesh of red dragon fruit that help lower total cholesterol and other health risks. Hydroxycinnamates are compounds with anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids support brain health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dragon fruit contains many vitamins and nutrients that can help prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and support weight management.

Dragon fruit seeds provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that benefit heart health. Vitamin B3 helps lower the bad cholesterol LDL and raise the good cholesterol HDL. The fruit also helps prevent oxidative imbalance, which can lead to heart problems.

Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants that help the body fight cancer cells, while its vitamin C content can slow tumor growth and ease symptoms like fatigue, nausea, pain, and loss of appetite in cancer patients. Dragon fruit also helps remove harmful heavy metals from the body.

The fiber in dragon fruit aids digestion, prevents constipation and diarrhea, and helps control weight by keeping you feel full longer. It also boosts metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels, and reduces cravings for sweets.

Dragon fruit provides Vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3, along with calcium, phosphorus, iron, protein, and fiber, which help boost the immune system. They strengthen the body’s defenses against bacteria and viruses, reduces inflammation, and promotes detoxification.

Vitamin A in dragon fruit helps improve vision and color perception. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness and macular degeneration.

Dragon fruit contains vitamin B that supports brain function, while calcium strengthens the nervous system, and healthy fats protect the myelin sheath and help transmit nerve signals efficiently.

Calcium and phosphorus in dragon fruit strengthen bones and teeth, help with physical recovery, and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Antioxidants and healthy fats in dragon fruit help keep the skin smooth and youthful.

Red-fleshed dragon fruit is sweeter than their white counterpart because it has more sugar. People with diabetes or those trying to lose weight should include white-fleshed fruit in their diet.

Antioxidants in dragon fruit help reduce inflammation caused by gout, diabetes, and arthritis. The white variety contains the same compounds but in smaller amounts.

Round dragon fruit tends to be sweeter and more fragrant than long-shaped ones. A firm, round fruit with thick flesh and thin skin indicates that it is sweet and full of nutrients.