A Review Of The Dragon Fruit's Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits And It's Pharmaco-therapeutic Benefits

Dragon fruit is considered a tropical fruit with an extraordinary appearance, and it has gained widespread popularity due to its health claims. This review investigates the nutritional information of dragon fruit as there is evidence indicating that the fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Furthermore, it consists of a wide range of antioxidant compounds such as betalains and phenolic which help combat inflammation. The antioxidant effects exhibited by dragon fruit have high implications for the lives of human beings. These compounds are capable of scavenging harmful free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and damage to the cell. This might help in the avoidance of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Also, the high amount of fiber in dragon fruit can enhance bowel health, help with blood sugar levels, and assist with controlling weight. Another area that holds promise in dragon fruit is its prebiotic capabilities. The fruit has resistant starch and colonic insoluble carbohydrates which can be used as the energy source for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can contribute to the enhanced microbiota diversity in the gut, enhanced nutrient absorption, and boosted immunity. Also, investigators have considered the possible treatment utilization of dragon fruit. It has been suggested that it may have hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of dragon fruit can be useful for the control of inflammatory diseases.