Unveiling the Hidden Power: Are Dragon Fruits Good for Weight Loss?

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. In some places, it’s called pitaya or strawberry pear. Dragon fruit has a unique look with its outer layer similar to that of a cactus plant and is available in vibrant colors. Don’t neglect it for its look, it tastes yummy and goes well with desserts. It tastes similar to pear and kiwi. But Are Dragon Fruits Good for Weight Loss? Yes, the fruit is filled with natural vitamins and minerals that help reduce weight. 

Dragon fruit is not only known for its unique beauty but is also gaining popularity in the health sector for its goodness. This spiky-looking fruit also does wonders for your skin.

In this article, you will learn about the benefits of dragon fruit, its nutritional value, the best time to have it, types of dragon fruit, and different recipes for having dragon fruit in your weight loss regime. 

Also read: Unmasking the Untold Benefits: Is Curd Good for Weight Loss?

So, let’s embark on a journey to unveil the hidden fat-burning power of dragon fruit.

Are Dragon Fruits Good for Weight Loss?

While on weight loss it’s important to have foods that keep you fuller and give you energy, and dragon fruit is one such superfood. Dragon fruit contains only 60 calories per fruit and who doesn’t want to save on calorie intake? Other than being low in calories there are more benefits to this fruit that aid weight loss. 

Dragon fruit is rich in fiber content that helps you stay full for a longer period of time. It is low in sugar compared to other fruits. It is rich in antioxidants that help boost metabolism. It contains probiotics which improve digestion and maintain gut health. It has a high water content, which helps you stay hydrated and reduces cravings. Balances the blood sugar levels that can lead to overeating. 

So, ditching your unhealthy snacks and adding dragon fruit to your diet is going to help you reduce your waistline and maintain a healthy weight. 

What Is the Best Time to Eat Dragon Fruit for Weight Loss?

Though dragon fruit can be had any time of the day, it’s better to understand your body’s requirements and consume it accordingly. If your main concern is to shed those kilos then you shall have them in the morning.

Also read: Unlocking the Key to a Slimmer Body: Are Kiwis Good for Losing Weight?

Having dragon fruit in the morning will help you stay hydrated and boost your metabolism. You can even include it in mid-morning or evening snacks when you may crave something unhealthy.

Dragon fruit can also be had before a workout because of its water content which will keep you hydrated. Since dragon fruit contains magnesium which improves sleep quality, you can have it at night. This fruit won’t spike your blood sugar rather it will improve digestion during sleep.

How to Eat Dragon Food for Weight Loss?

Dragon fruit can be had on its own by peeling its outer skin. If you are looking to add some yummy dragon fruit dishes to your diet, then here are some recipes:

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients: 

1 dragon Fruit

½ cup spinach

1 frozen banana

½ cup yogurt

¼ cup low-fat milk

Preparation:

Step 1: Take a dragon fruit, peel off its skin, and chop it in a bowl.

Step 2: Take spinach leaves, wash them, and chop them. 

Step 3: Chop the frozen banana.

Step 4: Take a blender jar and add chopped dragon fruit, spinach, and frozen banana. Blend to form a puree. 

Step 5: Add yogurt and milk to the puree and blend on low speed. 

Step 6: Pour the smoothie into a glass. Garnish with a choice of nuts. 

Your weight loss energy drink is ready. 

Dragon Fruit and Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients

1 dragon fruit

¼ cup chia seeds

1 cup low-fat milk. 

½ tablespoon honey 

¼ tsp cinnamon powder

Preparation:

Step 1: In a bowl, soak chia seeds with milk overnight.

Step 2: In the morning, chop dragon fruit and keep it aside. 

Step 3: Take a short glass, pour soaked chia seeds, and add honey. Mix well.

Step 4: Add chopped dragon fruits. Sprinkle cinnamon powder. 

Step 5: Garnish with your choice of nuts or chocolate chips.

You can have this pudding when you crave desserts. 

Dragon Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 dragon fruit 

1 cup of fresh fruits (strawberry, grapes, apple)

1 cucumber (optional)

¼ cup lettuce 

½ tablespoon of mint leaves

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Salt to taste

Preparation: 

Step 1 Take dragon fruit, fresh fruits, cucumber, and lettuce, chop them, and keep them aside. 

Step 2: In a small bowl make the dressing. Combine lemon juice, mint leaves, honey and salt. 

Step 3: In a large bowl, add the chopped ingredients, pour the salad dressing, and mix well. 

Your yummy, healthy salad is ready to eat. 

Dragon Fruit Juice

Ingredients: 

1 Dragon fruit 

½ teaspoon ginger

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

½ cup Walter

Salt to taste

Preparation: 

Step 1: Take dragon fruit, chop it into cubes, and keep it aside. 

Step 2: In a blender jar, add chopped dragon fruit, grated ginger, and lemon juice and blend it with water.

Step 3: Pour it into a glass add salt to taste and mix well. 

Your low-calorie and fat burner juice is ready. 

Dragon Fruit Oatmeal

Ingredients: 

½ cup oats

1 ½ cups low-fat milk

1 cup dragon fruit

1 cup other fresh fruits (pineapple, strawberry, blackberry, banana)

1 tablespoon of sweetener of choice

½ tablespoon of nuts (almond, walnut)

¼ teaspoon of seeds (pumpkin seed, sunflower seed)

Preparation: 

Step 1: In a saucepan, cook oats with milk on a slow flame for 2-3 minutes. 

Step 2: Add dragon fruit and other fruits and simmer for 2 minutes. 

Step 3: Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and garnish with nuts and seeds. 

Your quick and healthy dragon fruit breakfast is ready.  

Is There Any Difference Between Pink, Red, and Yellow Dragon Fruit?

Have you ever wondered which variety of dragon fruit is good for weight loss? Let’s end the confusion. Here is a comparison between pink, red, and yellow dragon fruit. 

Also read: Is Eating Watermelon at Night Good for Weight Loss?

Pink: Pink dragon fruit has white flesh. The taste of pink dragon fruit is a mild mix of sweet and sour. This variety of dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and probiotics which promote skin health and digestion.

Red: Red dragon fruit is red in and out. The taste is similar to berries, a bit sweeter than that of pink dragon fruit. Red dragon fruit is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin B. It prevents cancer and promotes good heart health. 

Yellow: Yellow dragon fruit flesh is white and this type of dragon fruit is smaller than red dragon fruit. It is the sweetest of all other dragon fruits. It is rich in calcium, iron, vitamins A and C. 

Ideally, all of them are healthy, you can choose dragon fruit based on your taste preference. 

Other Benefits of Dragon Fruit  

There are many health benefits to dragon fruit other than weight loss. Here is a list of benefits:

• Boost Immunity: Dragon fruit contains Vitamin C which helps fight infections in your body. Small amounts of dragon fruit can also help boost immunity. 

• Good for the heart: The seeds of red dragon fruit are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which promote good heart health. 

• Reduces risk of Diabetes: Dragon fruit is rich in fiber which regulates blood sugar levels and prevents chronic disease.

• Prevents Cancer: This fruit is loaded with antioxidants that help fight against cancer cells. 

• Improves skin: Vitamin C reduces pigmentation and antioxidants prevent acne on the skin. These properties present in dragon fruit help in maintaining healthy and glowing skin.

How Much Quantity We Can Eat of Dragon Fruit in a Day?  

Dragon fruit is a healthy option when on a diet, but the quantity to consume depends on your body’s requirements. It’s always best to maintain a balance between all the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. One dragon fruit or 200 grams is recommended for daily intake. You can have different varieties of dragon fruits to maintain a balance of nutrients. 

Also read: Craving Sugar? Learn, How Does Sugar Affect Weight Loss?

Conclusion      

Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit that is available in every market. This article highlights why Are Dragon Fruits Good for Weight Loss by providing you with an overview of its benefits. Dragon fruit is known to prevent you from chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart to improve your skin and slow down the aging process. 

Dragon fruit will always be at the top of your healthy snack list. Because of its properties, it helps in digestion, boosting metabolism and immunity in the body. You can manage your intake by choosing the right variety of dragon fruit and the correct time to have it. Try including the recipes in your meal plan to curb down your unhealthy cravings.  

Although dragon fruit is a great weight loss food, you cannot only rely on this fruit. Weight loss is the management of your lifestyle from diet to workout. Having a balance of everything can help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

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