Author: Maryam Ayres
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Due to its rich fiber content, its consumption helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Pitaya or pitahaya is the fruit of several species of cacti and plants in Central America and Southeast Asia . The fruit is also known as " dragon fruit ".
Pitaya consists of 90% water and is rich in vitamin C. It contains fiber and minerals such as phosphorus, iron and calcium. The presence of fats and proteins is relatively small. The nutritional values of pita for 100 grams are 36 kcal; 1 g protein; 7 g of carbohydrates; 0.4 g of fat.
The seeds of the fruit are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. A number of studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in exotic fruits, reduce the occurrence of inflammatory processes and help prevent the risk of chronic disease, cardiovascular problems, cancer and arthritis .
Consumption of the exotic fruit has a number of health benefits. Thanks to its rich fiber content, its consumption helps to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and improve digestion, which makes it a suitable food in compliance with a certain diet and to lose weight.
A study published in Pharmacognosy Research, in 2010. Found that dragon fruit extract helps reduce aortic stiffness and blood pressure by improving blood vessel function .
Pita can be consumed directly after cutting or as an addition to a salad, as well as in the form of pasta, ice cream or sherbet .