Nutritional Values of Dragon Fruit

Here are the nutrition facts for a 3.5-ounce (100 grams) serving of dragon fruit:

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1.2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Iron: 4% of RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of RDI

Apart from that, dragon fruits are a rich source of Antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid and betacyanin, and many vitamins and minerals, namely:

• Vitamin C:  A 100 grams serving of dragon fruit contains 3% of RDI (Reference Daily Intake, which is the daily intake level of a nutrient). Vitamin C is needed for the development and repair of body tissues.
• Vitamin A: 100 International Units (IU)
• Potassium: A 100 grams serving of dragon fruit contains 5% of RDI

Dragon Fruit is a type of fruit belonging to the genus Hylocereus of the Cactaceae family. It is also known as pitaya or pitahaya. Though the fruit is native to Central and South America, it is cultivated in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The fruit is called the “Dragon” fruit because it has vibrant pink or red skin covered with a green scary spike that gives it the look of a dragon. The fruit inside has white pulp with black seeds and sweet, juicy flesh. Dragon fruit is a good source of nutrition, particularly vitamins, and antioxidants, which benefit the body’s immune system. Interestingly, dragon fruit might seem to be a foreign fruit, but its flavour is similar to a mix of kiwi and pear. The fruit due to its nutritional benefits is in high demand throughout the world. Currently, Vietnam is the world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit.