Pitaya – Dragon Fruit – Pitahaya
Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja, Red-fleshed Pitaya, Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Pitaya is also well known as Dragon Fruit and was indigenous to Central and South America, and and nowadays grown in warm climates almost all over the world.
In Vietnam the Dragon Fruit was the leading exported fruit with 900.000 tonnes shipped during the first five months in 2015 (followed by watermelon, longan and bananas).
(Source: http://www.fruitnet.com/…/dragon-fruit-drives-vietnam-exports)
There are three different kind of Pitayas:
1) Hylocereus undatus (Red Pitaya with white flesh)
2) Hylocereus costaricensis (Red Pitaya with red flesh)
3) Hylocereus megalanthus (Yellow Pitaya with white flesh)
The Pitaya with red flesh is richer in nutrients, flavor and has a nice sweet taste.
Pitayas / Dragon fruits are rich in antioxidants, contain vitamin C, polyunsaturated (good) fatty acids, and several B vitamins for carbohydrate metabolism, as well as carotene and protein.
The antioxidants are working as “Anti-Aging”, they fight off free radicals and keep the skin tight and firm.
Aside from vitamin C, Phosphorus and Carotene the red flesh Dragon Fruit contains Lycopene (what is responsible for the red color in dragon fruit), which lowers the prostate cancer risk.
Dragon fruit also decreases bad cholesterol levels while improving the good levels, what is good for your heart health.
The Magnesium increase your energy and is important for regulating Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium Levels. Magnesium also helps to relax muscles, nerves and anxiety.
Pitaya is also a good source of Iron, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as Calcium, Phosphorous, Protein, Niacin, and Fiber.
Pitayas / Dragon fruits are improving the functioning of your immune system.
Take a look at these Websites, to read what are Dragon Fruits good for.
medicaldaily.com/benefits-dragon-fruit-6-health-reasons-eat-more-exotic-fruit
naturalfoodbenefits.com
foodfacts.mercola.com/dragon-fruit.html
pitaya.plus/pitaya-superfood-dragon-fruit/