Although a foreign fruit, dragon fruit has quickly become familiar in Bangladesh. It is actually a kind of cactus fruit, full of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It helps control blood sugar levels and also lowers the risk of cancer.

Demand for this attractive and tasty fruit keeps growing in the country. It looks juicy and appealing and tastes delicious. Besides being eaten sliced, dragon fruit is used to make smoothies, milkshakes, salads and more.

Dragon fruit is very low in calories and contains plenty of dietary fibre. One cup of dragon fruit contains 136 calories, 3 grams of protein, 7 grams of fibre, 8 percent of iron, 18 percent of magnesium, 9 percent of vitamin C and 4 percent of vitamin E, with no fat at all.

Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and betacyanin. These natural compounds protect cells from free radicals, guarding against problems such as cancer and premature ageing.

Dragon fruit also helps reduce the risk of diabetes. Its ample fibre helps control blood sugar, and eating it regularly helps keep diabetes away.

Eating dragon fruit regularly helps reduce the risk of cancer because it contains anti-cancer compounds. It particularly helps lower the risk of colon cancer.

Dragon fruit has plenty of vitamin C, so eating it boosts immunity. Besides cancer, its properties reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes.

Dragon fruit is very good for digestion. It helps increase beneficial bacteria in the body, which improves digestion. Being rich in fibre, it helps keep the digestive system healthy, so eat it regularly if you want good digestion.

• Its high fibre lowers blood fat, aids digestion, keeps the heart healthy, relieves constipation and helps control diabetes.
• The lycopene it contains works against cancer.
• The protein in dragon fruit helps all the body's metabolic functions.
• Its calcium keeps bones strong and teeth sturdy, making the fruit especially important for women.
• Its vitamin C boosts immunity, restores freshness to the skin, helps remove wrinkles and keeps hair healthy.
• Its high iron raises haemoglobin in the blood, which adolescent girls, pregnant women and new mothers need.
• With plenty of protein, fibre and water, it helps weight come off quickly.
• It provides several essential antioxidants vital for good health.
• It provides plenty of vitamin C, so eating it regularly strengthens immunity.
• It helps keep harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body in proper balance.
• Colourful dragon fruit is an excellent source of iron, so anyone wanting to overcome anaemia should eat it every day.
• It helps keep blood pressure under control.
• Rich in beta-carotene, it helps eyesight and lowers the risk of cataracts when eaten regularly.
• Its small black seeds contain omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are good for the heart.

The writer is an agriculture and environment specialist based in Dhaka.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.