What are the benefits of dragon fruit skin

The skin of dragon fruit contains rich dietary fiber, anthocyanins, and vitamins, which have health benefits such as antioxidant and digestive promotion. The main nutritional values of dragon skin include dietary fiber, anthocyanins, vitamin C, minerals, and polyphenols.

1. Dietary Fiber

Dragon skin contains a large amount of insoluble dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help prevent constipation. Dietary fiber can also increase satiety, help control weight, regulate gut microbiota balance, and improve digestive system health. It is recommended to thoroughly clean and remove surface burrs when consuming dragon skin to avoid irritation to the mouth and digestive tract.

2. Anthocyanins

Red pitaya peel is particularly rich in anthocyanins, a natural pigment with strong antioxidant properties that can eliminate free radicals in the body and delay cellular aging. Anthocyanins also help improve microcirculation and have a certain protective effect on cardiovascular health. Due to the solubility of anthocyanins in water, it is recommended to cut the fruit peel into pieces and soak them in water for drinking to fully absorb nutrients.

3. Vitamin C

The vitamin C content in dragon skin is similar to that in fruit flesh, with about 20-30 milligrams per 100 grams. Vitamin C can enhance immunity, promote collagen synthesis, and aid in wound healing. When consuming, the fruit peel can be sliced and cold mixed or juiced, but high-temperature cooking can cause a large loss of vitamin C. It is recommended to use low-temperature treatment.

4. Minerals

Dragon skin is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, with calcium content several times higher than fruit flesh, which is beneficial for bone health. Iron can prevent iron deficiency anemia, while magnesium can help alleviate muscle tension and anxiety. Due to the possibility of pesticide residues in the fruit peel, it is necessary to soak it in salt water and rinse thoroughly before consumption.

5. Polyphenolic Substances

The peel of dragon fruit contains polyphenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. These active ingredients have some potential benefits in preventing chronic diseases, but consuming the fruit peel directly may have a bitter taste, which can be mixed with honey or yogurt to enhance the flavor.

Although dragon fruit peels are nutritious, there may be pesticide residues on the surface and the texture is relatively hard. It is recommended to choose organically grown dragon fruit and thoroughly clean it with a soft bristled brush before consumption. You can shred the fruit peel and mix it cold, juice it, or dry it to make tea. The daily intake should be controlled within 50 grams. People with gastrointestinal sensitivity should try small amounts and stop eating immediately if discomfort occurs. Reasonable utilization of dragon skin not only reduces food waste, but also adds diverse sources of nutrients to daily diet.