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Look for the following attributes while you’re shopping:
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You don’t want to select one or more at random only to discover they are mushy or rotten.
#How to cut dragon fruit how to#
However, the results of human studies are inconsistent.Before we tackle how to eat dragon fruit, let’s discuss how to choose one. SUMMARYĪnimal studies suggest that dragon fruit may improve insulin resistance, liver fat, and heart health. Study results on the effects of dragon fruit on type 2 diabetes in people are inconsistent, and more research is needed to confirm these beneficial effects ( 17). They also had less arterial stiffness, compared to the control group ( 16). In another study, rats with diabetes treated with an extract from the fruit had a 35% reduction in malondialdehyde, a marker of free-radical damage. In a study in mice on a high-fat, high-carb diet, the group that received dragon fruit juice had better blood sugar responses and reductions in some liver enzyme markers, while another liver enzyme marker significantly increased ( 15). In one study, mice on a high-fat diet who received an extract of the fruit gained less weight and had reductions in liver fat, insulin resistance, and inflammation, which were attributed in part to beneficial changes in gut bacteria ( 13).ĭragon fruit contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut - potentially improving metabolic health ( 14).Īlthough this fruit may improve certain features of metabolic syndrome - a condition associated with type 2 diabetes - not all effects may be favorable. Many of these are likely due to its fiber and antioxidant content.īoth red and white varieties of dragon fruit have been shown to reduce insulin resistance and fatty liver in obese mice ( 11, 12, 13). These include betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids.Īnimal studies suggest that dragon fruit may provide various health benefits. SUMMARYĭragon fruit contains several antioxidants that protect your cells from damage.
#How to cut dragon fruit free#
While dragon fruit’s antioxidant capacity was not especially high, it was found to be best at protecting certain fatty acids from free radical damage ( 9, 10). One study compared the antioxidant properties of 17 tropical fruits and berries.
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These are compounds that protect your cells from unstable molecules called free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging ( 2).
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Dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants.
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