Yellow dragon fruit, also known pitaya, has white pulp with a sweeter and more pronounced flavor. Its scales are more similar to those of the pineapple. It is grown in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.
Because of its popularity, this fruit contains a large amount of water and, therefore, few calories. Its contribution in vitamin C, phenols and ascorbic acid stands out, although in smaller quantities than oranges, highlighting its importance in the formation of collagen and red blood cells, as well as its antioxidant capacity and its usefulness for the absorption of iron. It also provides B vitamins, vegetable proteins, fiber and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Yellow dragon fruit has many benefits in a balanced diet, including strengthening immune system and anti-inflammatory effects. Its fiber helps regulate intestinal transit and its seeds, which are usually eaten with the rest of the pulp, combat constipation. It delays cellular aging by neutralizing free radicals, also stimulating the production of collagen, essential for maintaining tissues in optimal conditions.
Improves iron absorption and its calcium content contributes to the correct formation and care of bones and teeth. It regulates blood sugar levels and is a good ally of slimming diets because it is low in calories and generates a feeling of satiety.
Nutritional value of dragon fruit
Depending on the variety, the nutritional values vary slightly and would be the following per 100 grams of dragon fruit or pitahaya:
- Calories: 54 kcal
- Total fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
- Protein: 1.2-1.5 g
- Fiber: 0,6-0,8 g
- Phosphorus: 16-26 mg
- Vitamin C: 8-25 mg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 1.3 mg
Yellow dragon fruit benefits
This fruit are not only attractive because of their peculiar appearance, but they can also benefit to our body’s health.
- Antitumor action: this fruit has carotenes and natural antioxidants in its composition, which are responsible for preventing the growth of cancer cells and easily eliminate free radicals from our body.
- Protection from solar radiation: the lycopene present in the yellow dragon reinforces the protection of our skin from solar radiation and UVA rays.
- High fiber intake: diets that are high in fiber help prevent heart disease, reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight.
- It has vitamin C: this vitamin directly influences the protection against cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health, eye diseases and even prevents the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
- Contains minerals: among the minerals found in yellow pitahaya is iron, a vital element for muscle and brain functions.
- Prevents constipation: the seeds of this fruit have a laxative effect, which allows it to be used to combat constipation.
What is Yellow dragon fruit for?
- Elaboration of refreshing drinks and cocktails, although there are those who prefer to consume it raw, in a natural way.
- In some countries this fruit is widely used in the preparation of foods such as jams, jellies, candies, yogurts, to give smell and flavor to them.
- Due to its characteristic yellow color it is also used for the production of dyes.
Its unopened flowers can also be used as cooked vegetables.
Differences between Yellow dragon fruit and red dragon
Even though they belong to the same family, since there are several types of pitahayas, there are very noticeable differences between the yellow dragon and the red dragon. The first one, just by listening to the names, we can already imagine it, each one has a different color that identifies it. Another visible difference is that the yellow pitahaya is covered with thorns and has a softer bark, while the red pitahaya has no thorns and its bark is a little thicker.
Also, the taste of each one is an important element to differentiate them, since the yellow one is much sweeter than the red one. There are also notable differences in size, as the yellow one is a little smaller.
How to eat yellow dragon fruit?
Yellow dragon fruit is very easy to prepare for consumption, just follow a few steps and it will be ready. But it is worth clarifying that because of its appearance it is sometimes difficult to determine with the naked eye if it is ripe or not, so we must first squeeze it with our fingers and if we feel that it is soft like a custard apple, then it is ready to eat.
After harvesting, wash the fruit and cut it in the center to separate it into two parts.
Once cut you can use a spoon to separate the pulp from the rind.
Once the pulp is separated you can savor the exquisite flavor of this fruit.
Some people prefer to make juices or cocktails before consuming, but it is up to each person’s taste.
How to eat yellow dragon fruit for constipation?
In the seeds of the yellow dragon fruit is where the greatest amount of fiber of this fruit is concentrated, these improve intestinal transit and thus allow to combat constipation. For these qualities, specialists recommend the daily consumption of this fruit to people who suffer from constipation.
Before we go on to better explain how to eat yellow dragon for constipation we want you to know that constipation does not always occur for the same cause and so you should use this fruit if your condition is caused by a lack of fiber intake. If not, then you should investigate better what is causing the condition and so you can choose better how to fight it.
In view of the above, we can tell you that you can use the fruit in its natural state, regularly before each meal. But if you require a much faster and more effective result, you should use the seeds because they have a much higher fiber content. They have a laxative effect that allows you to avoid constipation, combat irritable bowel syndrome and cleanse the digestive system.
We can also highlight that you can help prevent constipation if you accompany the consumption of yellow pitahaya with plenty of liquids that contribute to soften the stool and it is advisable if the process is very severe to consult a specialist who can help you determine the cause and the appropriate treatment to combat it.
