If you spend enough time on social media, you may have come across videos of people eagerly showcasing a colorful-looking fruit. But does it also have unique health benefits to match its appearance?
While dragon fruit shares many of its nutritional benefits with other fruits, the fruit is a very healthy option. Generally mild and subtly sweet, with a texture similar to kiwi, dragon fruit contains good amounts of fiber and also provides magnesium and potassium, as well as high amounts of antioxidant nutrients.
Dragon fruit is great for keeping your immune system and bones healthy, said Teresa Fung, a registered dietitian and professor at Harvard University and Simmons University.
The fruit can cause some problems if eaten in excess. It contains
a sugar alcohol compound that can have a mild laxative effect, and certain people may experience stomach cramping and other intestinal issues, Fung said. Still, the amount of dragon fruit that causes this is generally not an issue for most people, she said.
“If your body can tolerate it, it is perfectly OK to have dragonfruit every day,” said Fung.
How do I eat dragon fruit?
To eat dragon fruit, first peel the skin. You can then eat directly out of the fruit – the tiny, black seeds are edible as well – or slice it up to add to other food items, Fung said.
Is there one right way to eat dragon fruit?
It “depends on the person” Fung said, adding some people add it to salads and smoothies.
Fresh dragon fruit is available June through September. Select the fruit that feels heavy for its size, and is slightly soft but firm with no shriveling or bruising, according to Harvard Medical School.
Fung previously advised that frozen dragon fruit, like other frozen fruits, is a great option, especially brands with no added sugars.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How do you eat dragon fruit?
