dragon fruit also known as pitaya is a tropical fruit that grows on the hylocereus cactus a plant that is inherent in places such as southern mexico and central america besides its exotic appearance the fruit also holds various health benefits and nutritional valuesknown for its bright red skin and green scales the fruit is said to resemble a dragon which is why it is called a dragon fruit however in contrast to its features the fruit tastes quite ordinary switching from the flavours of kiwi to a peartypes of dragon fruitsthere are three types of dragon fruits1 hylocereus undatus also known as whitefleshed pitahaya hylocereus undatus is a vinelike cactus it consists of bright red skin studded with green scales and white flesh2 hylocereus megalanthus native to northern south america hylocereus megalanthus is a cactus species grown for its yellow fruit3 hylocereus polyrhizus hylocereus polyrhizus known as red pitaya is native to mexico it consists of red skin with red flesh and is popular for its high antioxidant propertiesnutritional value of dragon fruitpitayaaside from its exquisite and unique appearance dragon fruits are rich in vital nutrients low in calories it is filled with essential vitamins minerals and dietary fiber to give you a better look at its nutritional content heres what a cup of dragon fruit serving can provide your body withcalories 136protein 3 gramsfat 0 gmsvitamin c 9 percentvitamin e 4 percentcarbohydrates 29 gmsfiber 7 gmsiron 8 percentmagnesium 18 percenthealth benefits of eating dragon fruitslike many other nutritional fruits dragon fruit have several potential health benefitsrich in different types of antioxidants it helps protect your body from free radicals that can lead to chronic illnesses and also fasten the process of ageingdragon fruits are also known for its high fiber content which plays an important role in maintaining digestive health and watching unhealthy weight gaindue to its high nutritional value dragon fruits or pitaya can strengthen your immunity as well the vitamin c and carotenoids in dragon fruit can prevent infections to enter your body and therefore can keep illnesses at baybesides that consumption of dragon fruit can keep insulin level in check reduce inflammation in the body and can reduce risks of heart diseasesways to add dragon fruits to your dietas difficult as it may seem to incorporate dragon fruits in your diet it is as easy to do so while the fruit may seem intimidating with its thick skin and exotic appearance preparing it is quite simple here are some ways to eat it use a knife to slice the fruit in half then take a spoon and use it to scoop the flesh out of the fruit you can also draw vertical and horizontal lines with a sharp knife forming cubes of the edible fruit push onto the back of the skin so as to reveal the cubes and making it easier to remove you can then eat it as it is or add it to salad make smoothies out of