9+ Reasons to Eat Yellow Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that is native to Central and South America. The dragon fruit plant grows on a cactus, and the fruits can be either red, yellow or white.

The most common type of dragon fruit in North America is the red dragon fruit, which has a bright pink skin, tiny black seeds, and white flesh. Dragon fruit is often eaten raw, and has a slightly sweet taste.

There are exactly several different types of dragon fruit, most of which are available for sale in the United States.

Hylocereus megalanthus is a species of cactus that is native to Central America. It is also known as the giant dragon fruit, and can grow up to 3 meters in height! The dragon fruit from this cactus plant is red or yellow, and has a pink flesh. Sometimes the yellow skin can have green scales.

Hylocereus undatus is a species of dragon fruit that is native to Mexico and South America. It is also known as the white dragon fruit, and has a white skin and white flesh. The dragon fruit from this cactus is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and has a slightly sweet taste.

Hylocereus costaricensis is a species of dragon fruit that is native to Costa Rica. It is also known as the red dragon fruit, pink dragon fruit, or strawberry pear dragon fruit, and has a bright pink skin and red flesh. This is the most common type of dragon fruit varieties and is the one most often found in North America.

It can take up to 3 years for a dragon fruit plant to mature and produce fruit.

Dragon fruit is ripe when it is soft to the touch and has a sweet taste.

Dragon fruit is a good source of vitamins C and B, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

It also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. One cup of dragon fruit provides about 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar.

There is limited research on the prebiotic potential of dragon fruit, but some preliminary studies suggest that dragon fruit may contain prebiotic compounds. Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and can have a number of health benefits.

You may like my related article with the best natural probiotics.

The additional health benefits of dragon fruit include its ability to boost immunity, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss.

Dragon fruit is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and may help to lower blood sugar levels.

The yellow skinned variety of dragon fruit should yield the same healthy benefits as the other types.

Here is some additional information about the potential health benefits of the yellow variety of this exotic fruit.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Dragon fruit is packed with antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress, free radicals, and inflammation. These include betacyanins, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids.

The yellow fruit may not have as many antioxidants as other types, but it is still a good source of antioxidants.

2. High in Fiber

Like many fruits, dragon fruit is high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for your digestive system. Fiber can help prevent constipation, promote a healthy gut, and may contribute to weight loss as it can make you feel full for longer.

One cup of yellow dragon fruit will have between 5-6 grams of fiber.

3. Vitamin C

Dragon fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which is known for boosting the immune system and helping to protect the body from common illnesses and infections.

4. Loaded with Prebiotics

Yellow dragon fruit contains prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria called probiotics in your gut. This can help improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is important for digestion and overall health.

5. Good Source of Magnesium

Dragon fruit offers a good amount of magnesium, a nutrient needed for a variety of body functions. These include muscle contractions, bone health, and the production of DNA.

6. Iron and Vitamin B3

Dragon fruit is a good source of iron and vitamin B3. Iron is essential for blood health and the transport of oxygen throughout your body, while vitamin B3, or niacin, can help to reduce cholesterol levels and support skin health.

7. Low in Calories

Despite its sweet taste, dragon fruit is relatively low in calories. This makes it a good choice for anyone looking to control their calorie intake.

Be sure to speak to your doctor if you have diabetes or blood sugar issues.

8. Promotes a Healthy Gut

Dragon fruit’s prebiotic attributes may encourage a healthy gut, as it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.

9. Skin Health

Thanks to its vitamin C content, dragon fruit can also help maintain healthy skin. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, which helps to keep the skin firm and youthful.

Dragon fruit can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store dragon fruit for a longer period of time, it can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.

Tropical fruits are best eaten when they are at the height of their ripeness. But, don’t let them get over-ripe or they can become mushy.

Dragon fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.

When eating raw dragon fruit, you can simply cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The dragon fruit skin is edible, but some people prefer to remove it before eating (the skin is tasteless and can be bitter).

Dragon fruit can also be used in cooked dishes or salads. It can be added to smoothies, ice creams, juices, or desserts. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, so it’s a healthy addition to your diet.

See my recipe for a Dragon Fruit Smoothie.

Dragon fruit tastes sweet, juicy, and a little tangy. Some people say that dragon fruit tastes like a cross between a kiwi and a strawberry. It is juicy and has a slightly tangy taste with a sweet flavor. Some people also say that it has a berry-like taste.

Yellow pitaya (also called yellow pitahaya) tastes similar to the ones with bright red skin. Try to avoid unripe dragon fruit as it won’t taste as good.

See my related list of yellow fruits.